For those who want to join the active Whatsapp group of expat doctors in Saudi Arabia visit the following link.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/9iHfHZpA55fGwNVMNqoVhj
All the best

13 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE COMING TO SAUDI ARABIA.

Did you just get a job offer from the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia? Then read on!

Alright, first things first. We are assuming that you attended an interview via skype or a direct interview in person in some five-star hotel with the MOH of KSA. And If you have taken a decision to go to Saudi then a few pointers will help to make your life a bit easier after you land here. Below are the 13 most important things you MUST know before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

1.      Bring all your original documents

Do not think about which ones are important. Just bring all your MBBS, PG and additional qualification related documents in original (including marksheets, degree, course completion, transcripts etc.,). If you have attested any experience certificates bring them also. Bring all experience certificates. Before leaving make sure the experience certificates tally with the experience you have showed during your interview. Even one-month lack in a year will not be considered as one-year experience! If you do not have transcripts for your PG then try to bring a letter from your university stating that such transcripts are not given in your institution. Bring 15-20 Passport size fotos also. Carry a good number of photocopies for each. Bring your original driving license too. In short, ‘koi bhi certificate mat chodke aana!’.

2.      Bring adequate money

Bring atleast 5000-6000 Saudi Riyals in cash or as a Foreign Travel Card. This will cover your registration fees, iqama fees, indemnity insurance, BLS training, initial rent and food. Sometimes your hospital may pay for some of these items but if you are posted somewhere else you have to make arrangements. You can always borrow money from friends here and many will be happy to lend you, it's the tradition here. In short, ‘kuch pane ke liye kuch kona bhi padtha hai’.

3.      Bring some essentials (Medicines, food, grooming and clothes)

If you are too picky about food and personal grooming stuff, bring them along with you. Especially if you are posted in a remote area. By the way all things are available in shops here. For the first few months you may want to spend less, so make sure you have some basic supplies like ready made food, some clothes, sheets etc. etc., Some utensils are also optional to bring. If you are coming in winter make sure to pack some heavy duty winter clothes as well.Bring your text book which you like the most, you will need it for clearing the Saudi Commission License Exam. Depending on the flight, you may be allowed upto 40 kgs as check-in luggage. Always check the luggage limit with your flight before boarding.

4.      Banking and mobile

  

Indian Airtel prepaid sim works here, so if this number is your primary number for bank OTPs and other services bring it along and you can receive the OTPs but check the roaming rates. Also, all banks have mobile banking apps which do not need your sim card for OTP, so activate your mobile banking to continue using your bank services- for e.g., SBI Anywhere and SBI secure code for OTP. Find a nice private bank like ICICI or HDFC or even some national banks like SBI. It will help you to transfer your money back home without any tussle. Some banks may not allow you to open for lack of proof of residence, if so try the next bank. You CAN open an NRE account before coming here.

5.      Learn a few Arabic phrases

This is true for any foreign country you are travelling to. To easily navigate your way, find food, and chit chat with people in the office. Learn the right way of greeting someone. If possible, buy an ‘Arabic-English-Arabic’ book.

6.      Research the culture of Saudi people

There are a few important restrictions in this country you need to be aware of. Especially with regard to behavior in public places and interacting with women. Try to find out the do’s and don'ts in this country. For e.g., taking pictures in public places, visiting shops during the prayer timings, inappropriate dressing etc., are not allowed.

7.      Buy a sim card with internet

Once you buy a sim card at the airport, recharge it with some minimum amount because it is difficult to buy a sim card without Iqama (residence permit) outside the airport. You’ll need internet data to call back home at cheap rates. Install IMO in all your relatives’ phones. This is the default mode of communication here. You can also do Skype VOIP or any other VOIP service calling. Explore ways to buy an internet sim and do all your calling via internet!If you have wifi in your office or home it will be very comfortable for you. WhatsApp and Skype voice and video calling are restricted here. In short,‘kripya hamesha line pe jude rahe’.

8.      Entertainment

Also, this place is a bit short on entertainment options, especially for bachelors (there are no cinemas!). So if possible bring along your Ipad, tablet or netbook so that you can enjoy in the free time. Some people also bring along their Airtel dish TV box and set up an antenna locally to watch all the Bollywood they can! In short ‘net or TV ke bina zindagi bhi kya cheez hai’.

9.      Do NOT bring banned items

Check with your local embassy office and its website regarding travel advice to KSA. Also check the website of immigration for important information regarding bringing banned drugs and alcohol. If you are planning to bring some bulk medication for yourself, carry a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner with proper seal (an Arabic translation of the prescription may also help).

10.  Things to remember when coming with family

Bringing your spouse and children along is a big decision. Although it is good to have your family with youespecially because loneliness may grip you sometimes, you have to think about it carefully. Some plan to bring their family after finding a good house in a good locality with a good school nearby. Bringing your family later can have its own problems also, like visa processing, non-sponsored tickets and others issues. Initially it may be tiring to manage both family and work but with time everything will settle down at its own pace. It also depends on whether you are here for a short term or long term arrangement. If you are a male, it is also important to counsel your wife well about the culture shock ladies from outside may face. The best thing about the kingdom is that families are treated with utmost respect and at many places you will get preferential treatment, starting from the point of arrival at the airport.

11.  Not all promises are kept

It is possible that you were promised some specific place or posting in the interview, but when you arrive here, you may not be given the same. So be ready for that shocker. It happens to everyone. But committed salary won’t change. In short, ‘ek vade par umarein guzar jayegi’.

12.  What after landing?

Once you land in any airport, look out for the MOH clinic in the airport, or sometimes called first aid clinic. A nurse there will then guide you to reach your destination. If you are arriving at odd hours you may have to wait for a few hours for your car to arrive. Don't expect anyone waiting for you with a name placard!

13.  Finding an accommodation

Try to find an accommodation close to your workplace so that you can avoid the hassle of taking a taxi or uber daily. It will cost your roughly 600-700 Riyals per month for taxi alone. So plan you stay accordingly. In short, ‘agar jyada din baitna hai to jaldi gaadi karido’.

Agar jana hi tha to bolke jate,

Is gadar hum intezar nahi karte,

Jinta pyar apne mulkh ko dete ho,

Usmese kuch humein bhi batke jate!

MOH Saudi Arabia Organisational Structure