If I have already signed a contract, do I have to go to Saudi Arabia?

Hi Lester

As you may be aware, Saudi Arabia has a kafala or kafeel system which means that you would need your employer's permission to exit Saudi Arabia, should you go there.

It may be that you would be breaking your contract, and might officially be seen as an absconder which can carry a travel ban. But this would be preferable to ending up in a position where you will be stuck and unhappy.

The best thing would be to be transparent with the company - while they have invested time and money in you already, you will at least save them airfare and an unhappy employee.

Of course, this is my personal opinion, so you may want to speak to an immigration consultant regarding this.

Have a look at our Visas for Saudi Arabia which will give you a better idea of how the system works there.

Good luck with this

Best,

Xavier

Easily, YES