I am a consultant and my engagements bring me to Saudi Arabia often. At times I am here for three to four months at a stretch.
Can anyone guide me on how or where to open a bank account. I am on a business visa.
Thanks in advance for your help.
jd
Want to open a bank account but on a business visa
JD
30 July 2010 07:41:05
10
musicman
30 July 2010 08:23:44
3180
I believe you need an IQAMA (resident Visa) to be able to open a banbk account unless your company/sponsor is able to convince the bank of the modus operandi of your contract with them.
WTENGEL
31 July 2010 15:46:57
66
Second what Music says.
We had guys here doing 60 on and 30 off on business visas and they could not open bank accounts, drive a car, etc, etc. You do need an Iqama, unless there is a special circumstance I am not aware of.
Also, be advised, if you are here on a business visa, and you don't get paid by a Saudi company for you time or labor, you really have no recourse. Technically you are on a business visa, and not supposed to be taking up employment (for a Saudi company that is).
The guys I was speaking of earlier were being paid by a company out of Dubai, and coming here as "consultants" on a business visa, similar to what you are doing I am guessing.
Anyway, this is my understanding, unless there is some other excpetion I am not aware of...
musicman
31 July 2010 17:13:22
3180
Spot on WTENGEL. For those on Consultancy assignments here on short bterm basis my advice too is to have a watertight agreement on how one collects the fees in a manner thats comfy and acceptable to the consultant.
In my case I am on a Iqama and Resident here and I sign a consultancy agreement with my client whicb makes me more or less like a pseudo employee for the duration of the project with him. I also have the luxury of a bank account and my fees gets paid directly into it. All I could lose is one months retainer if the client defaults on his committment. I just pack up and find another client ASAP. In the interim my girls will always feed me since they are employed reasonably well.
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