terminate contract before expires

[Katbos]

Hi guys,

I want to terminate my contract with my current employer before it expires and come back to Saudi and work for another employer. Can someone please explain me the process and documents needed to apply for a new Iqama with the new employer? And whether or not it is possible?

[Sharkie]

Dude,

Well its not quiet as easy as that -

First of all you have to apply to be released from your company - discuss with your current employer what you want to do and why you want to leave - this sometimes can be repaired and understanding reached - if not and you still want  to leave then .......you have to resign, depending on your contract with in an agreed time line - One month or three months notice - this will be the easier part...
But before you resign make sure 100% your company agrees to issue an NOC as you cannot come back into the country if you don't have an objection letter from your old company.
If you fail to secure this letter - problems mate as your new company cannot get a visa for you.

Next if you have an NOC - then a new company can ask for a demand letter from your existing company so as to apply for your new visa.....better option!!!

Last one - If it so bad with in your company leave on an Exit back to your country and apply through the normal channels again - doing medicals etc all over again as per your first trip here....

There is really NO simple way to resign and restart again in the Gulf - follow the system and try and talk to your company to reach an amicable arrangement for both parties... its just easier this way.

[Katbos]

Hey Sharky

Thanks for the reply. I thought it might not be that simple.

If I leave without a NOC on a exit visa, can I come back by doing the hole rigmarole application over again?
If I get a NOC, do you simply transfer to another company without having to do any application in SA?

Cheers

[Sharkie]

Katbos.

Firstly - yes you can transfer from one company to another with out leaving the GCC if you HAVE an NOC - No issue - you have to get the old employer to release you with an NOC and letter of agreement - then the new company has to issue a demand letter - then the process can start.
However if you have not finished your contract there MAY BE a price to pay to your old company - which could be paid by the new company or your self depending on circumstance.....lots of maybes and possibilities in this sentence.

However if you leave on an Exit you will still need a NOC so as to reapply - it it falls with in I think 6 months - it used to be a year!!!!

My suggestion is still to try and get an NOC first then transfer direct - what field are you in???

[Katbos]

Sharkie

Thanks again..Obviously the NOC is the better if not the only option. I would definitely go with that if I decide to leave. What if they don’t want to give me a NOC (which I think is very likely)?
If I decide to stay and finish my contract and then decide to leave or not renew it, are they forced to give me a release and NOC? Or can you just go back to SA and re-apply for a permit with your new employer and do the process again? And does my new company also need to issue a demand letter from my old company?
We do industrial cleaning and maintenance (high pressure water jetting, catalyst, little bit construction etc.)

[Sharkie]

From what I understand is that when you finish your contract with the company - you can request an NOC as you have honoured your contract with them - However you must follow your notice period and follow all terms and conditions of your contract.

However - good news looming - there maybe a government move and law that changes soon - concerning the NOC and the no requirement of getting an NOC to change jobs!!! Don't know when it may come about ?

When you finish your contract and have an NOC you can start the process of moving with in the Kingdom - the other way is that when your contract has finished, the other company can issue a visit visa - you leave to Dubai or close GCC countries, and return back.....
If you go on exit - ALWAYS remember they close your bank accounts, you cannot own a car or any debit at all - this maybe an issue you have to close off before you even think about a local transfer???

There are so many avenues and so many other things you have to remember when completing your contract........think it through!!

[Katbos]

Cheers mate, thanks for the info!

[Pottie]

Sharkie,

I understand the law have changed and you do not need the no objection letter anymore. I will try and get more info.

Pottie