Not an exciting post but hopefully helpful if you are thinking about coming over...
O
ur first little surprise was the cost of the tests needed for our medical! One of the joys of the NZ health system is that these costs are usually covered, therefore quite invisible... not so when you are needing them for employment purposes. There is quite a list of conditions they want to know about- $504 worth in fact. One of the tests needs a sample taken between 12pm and 3pm for 3 consecutive days. Not knowing this I started the process on a Friday, only to find out I couldn't drop off the samples during the weekend. Better to start the process Monday to Wednesday.
The Work Visa application process is quite involved. Luckily the School put me in touch with someone who clearly knows what they are talking about. He is going to help us with the following:
1- Submit fully completed Visa Application Form, either typed or neatly written in block letters.
2- Two (2) recent passport size photographs must be loosely attached (not stapled) to the application form. Photographs should be approx 3x4 cm in size and taken against a white or very light background.
3- A passport, which must be valid for at least six (6) months from the application date and the passport has got at least two pages free.
4- The authorisation letter issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry. This should be arranged by the sponsor in Saudi Arabia.
5- Letter of sponsorship from the Saudi Company stamped by a Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Foreign Affairs, indicating the Visa Authorisation number, date of authorisation and Job title.
6- Original work contract, signed by both employer and employee and attested by Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Saudi Ministry of foreign Affairs.
7- If during the past two years the applicant has worked in Saudi Arabia, a letter of no objection from the Company previously worked with must be attached.
8- Attested work experience letter from the competent authorities. The work experience should be attested by Chamber of Commerce, Notary Public and Internal affairs. The work experience should be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi Consulate if the work experience gained outside NZ.
9- Original Medical Report Form attested by Medical council, Notary Public and Internal Affairs. A recent passport size photograph must be stapled to this form.
10- Recent police record, and must be authenticated by Notary Public, Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign affairs.
11- Certified degree/ Diploma, should be attested by Notary Public, Internal Affairs, the Saudi cultural mission and general consulate of Saudi Arabia (If gained in New Zealand). If gained outside NZ, the qualification should be authenticated by the Saudi Consulate in the country of origin.
Phew! It is all going to be worth it.
