Expat Experiences: Saudi Arabia - Lynne Charnley

Who are you?

My name is Lynne Charnley.

Where, when and why did you move abroad?

I worked in Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia from May 2008 to November 2009. Having been made redundant in the UK I was looking for work, and a friend of mine was acting as a consultant to a Saudi airline, he suggested me to the airline and it all happened from there.

What challenges did you face during the move?

The hardest part was getting into Saudi and obtaining an Iqama (work and residency permit). This is normally done through your sponsor but I had to have 2 medicals - 1 in the UK and another in Saudi, the paperwork must be handled by a licensed agent in the UK. You cannot do anything without an Iquama - rent property, set up a bank account, get a driving license/buy a car (only applicable to males - women cannot drive in Saudi) or buy a mobile phone without one. Married women and children share their husband's/fathers Iqamas. Your forum and a copy of the Lonely Planet Guide to Saudi Arabia were a Godsend before I actually moved.

Read more at http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-saudi-arabia-experiences-lynne-charnley