Profession Change

Finally, the profession in my Iqama (work permit) was changed to Marketing Specialist.  Since Marketing Specialist is a professional title, I can now have a visa on arrival to the GCC member countries.  I don’t travel that often.  In fact, the last time I was in Bahrain was 4 years ago on a holiday.  I have been to Dubai and Qatar but only on transit. 

The normal practice of companies here in the Kingdom of the Sands even to these days, is to recruit professionals but deploy them on a labor visa.  I never encountered problems before with the visa that I was using (welder), because I don’t travel.   My sponsor at that time too is a steel manufacturing facility so having a welder visa is no problem.  In fact, having a welder visa will spare you from being harassed by the authorities, if you know what I mean.

The Nitaqat system changed all that.  Although I don’t personally have problem with my visa, my sponsor, the steel manufacturing facility is working hard to increase their Saudization rate.  Hence, they really have to get rid of me in their system.  So, before I left for my annual vacation, they made sure to change my profession from welder to Marketing Specialist.  When I reported back to work, I was transferred from my old sponsor, the steel manufacturing facility to the Holding Company.

One of the benefits of having a professional visa is that you’ll be able to bring in your family.  In my case, sadly, I won’t be able to avail of that privilege.  As you know, I’m currently on a bachelor status.

My flat mate told me that we should go to Qatar on the Eid Al Fitr holiday.  I refused his invitation because I just got back from my annual vacation.  I’ve exhausted my resources.  It’ll probably be 4-5 months before I can be liquid again.  Doha’s nice according to a friend who settled there.  He just warned us that it’s an expensive city.  We maybe surprise of the cost of goods.  God willing, I may be able to travel in the future.