VISA & Iqaamah Q/A
Do I have to take an HIV/AIDS test before entering Saudi ‘Arabia? Is it a prerequisite for an iqaamah?
Some people have entered Saudi without having to take the test however, here’s what the law states:
*Anyone coming to work in the Kingdom must undergo a medical exam and present a medical report confirming that they are free from contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Any worker testing positive for HIV/AIDS will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Please inquire directly with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia before you travel.
*HIV-positive expatriate workers are offered treatment until they become well, after which they are deported to their home countries.
Resident Visa Requirements: Three copies of our medical report, along with three passport size color pictures with a white background. This medical report must be issued by a licensed physician who must sign each copy and must certify that the applicant is free of any contagious disease. The license number and address of the physician should appear on each copy . Medical reports should be used within three months from the date of issuance.
Click here to download the medical report form (pdf format). Children under the age of sixteen (16) do not need a medical report.
Money Saving Tip: What To Do with Stale Bread
The breads here are not made with all the gunk and preservatives like back home. A loaf may start to go stale in about 3 or 4 days after purchasing it. Don’t waste your money on bulk loads of bread with the intention of deep freezing for later use. Once you thaw the bread out, it’ll taste stale anyway.
So, what can you do with almost stale bread? Lots. Check out my almost French toast (made without Cinnamon).
The toast was delicious and didn’t have a stale taste. The syrup was so good that I did not miss the Cinnamon at all.
If your long rolls are hardening, you could try salvaging them by making garlic bread.
Hot dog rolls and burger buns make great breadcrumbs. Toast the bread, crush ‘em all up then, add some of your favorite spices.
Hard Pita bread is a scrumptious alternate for tortilla chips and croutons. I have a Mediterranean cookbook with a recipe for a yummy salad known as Fatoosh. One of the main ingredients is pita bread. I will share it in another blog entry.
If you’re not up to all of this, you could always go to the beach or park to feed the birds:)
Haneefah
I just wanted to quickly share a photo of Rosewood Hotel’s Ramadhaan Suite. It’s a private room for families or businesses hosting Suhoor or Iftaar meals for their guests. The sitting room is decorated with elaborate ‘Arab furniture complete with lanterns and over-sized cushions – gorgeous right?
Rosewood has a reputation for pampering their guests and personalizing everything for them. Too bad I can’t even afford to think about staying there:)
Haneefah
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A lot of mothers – Saudis and expats alike – are having a hard time paying for daycare services. I came across some info via ‘Arab News. The article was printed last year, but it’s still relevant and important.
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| Excerpt: The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced new rules and regulations concerning providing daycare centers in establishments that have working mothers. According to the law, businesses with 50 or more women and at least 10 working mothers must pay for daycare services to children under six years of age. For businesses with over 100 women, a staffed daycare facility must be provided on the premises. Qusai Filali, director general at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs’ office in Jeddah, confirmed to Arab News that there is an inspection department at the ministry, and that inspections take place. “Violators are warned to abide by the law,” he said.
Full Article
Haneefah |
