Frequently asked questions.
Have a question? You can find the answers for the most common questions asked by our candidate.
1. Professional License
Yes, all healthcare professionals need to prepare the paperwork prior to mobilization and the hospital personnel will assist you to process your registration with SCFHS.
Since January 2010, it is a requirement from the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia to register with Saudi Commission of Health Professionals prior to issuance of your Iqama (Residence Permit).
Requirements to be submitted to Saudi Council Section under Goverment Relations Department:
1. SCFHS application form
2. Copy of passport
3. Attested copy of License
4. Attested copy of Diploma/ Degree Certificates
5. Attested copy of two reference letters from the candidate’s previous employer
Attested means that the document has to be authenticated as a copy by a notary public or a solicitor,
which is then stamped by Foreign Affairs in your home country, then by the Saudi Embassy.
Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with SCFHS registration.
Fees vary depending on your profession. The fee shall be payable in Saudi Riyals (SR) by bank transfer or credit card. This will be processed upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The first fee is the classification fee. This is to assess your application and register you.
Example of classification fees:
Nurses SR 600 (160 USD)
Technicians SR 600 (160 USD)
Consultant Physicians SR 1800 (480 USD)
Registration fees:
Nurses SR 240 (64 USD)
Consultant Physicians SR 750 (200 USD)
Technicians SR 240 (64 USD)
Registration will be valid for three years.
2. Accommodation
Most expatriate staff lives in housing compound inside or outside the hospital grounds. The Housing is Rent free, air-conditioned and fully furnished accommodation. The majority of contracts are single status and offer shared accommodations in 2 or 3 bedroom apartments or 4 bedroom villas
(for single contract they only share the living room & kitchen). Each accommodation unit is kitted out with a bed, linen, towels, kitchen and cooking utensils etc.
You will get basic satellite TV which contain the news channel, a movie channel, a sports channel,
etc. in addition to the OSN TV package, for more information see their website (www.osn.com)
3. Visas / IQAMA
Yes, you require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Visas must be obtained in your country of residency.
The airline will not allow you to board the plane for the KSA if you do not have one. Information
specific to your nationality will be provided to enable you to proceed with the visa process. In some
countries it is necessary to use a visa agent – in others you can carry out the process yourself if
you wish. NGHA will arrange for you the required documents through our Recruitment agency once needed.
An Iqama (residency permit) is a work and residency permit. It allows you to live and work in
Saudi Arabia and is also used as an ID card. The Iqama is also used for opening bank accounts and
any other accounts you may need. This will be arranged by NGHA. The Iqama has an identifying
digital photo of you and carries your personal identification information. You should carry it at all times.
The passport department work around the clock; but services for special cases outside the official
working time are assessed and provided if necessary.
4. Vacations
After you obtain your residency permit (Iqama), you will be able to leave and re-enter the country
as you like. However, you have first to complete your 90-days probationary period. During this time
you can only get leave for an emergency situation. After the probationary period, you can schedule
your leave with your department as the schedule allows.
5. Money
There is no income tax deducted in Saudi Arabia and everything in KSA is tax free. However, your
foreign income may be taxed in your home country. It is your responsibility to find out what your tax obligations are. There is no sales tax in Saudi Arabia as well.
Saudi Arabia is generally a cash society, but credit cards are accepted in most major department stores and also, you can use your ATM card from home.
The hospital will help you open a bank account immediately after you get your Iqama (your salary
will be deposited directly into this account). You will not, however, be paid interest on money in this
account, so you should transfer your money to an account outside Saudi Arabia.
At the End of each month, your salary will be deposited into your Saudi bank account.
However, you will receive a cash advance of 1500 SR (in the first day).
6. Books / Computer / Phone calls
There are three daily English papers: The Arab News , Saudi Gazette , and Riyadh Daily News .
Yes, International sim card or number card can easily be purchased in the telecom company or Communications Department can provide you with an international access.
7. Work
At the airport, you will be met as you exit the baggage claim by a representative of NGHA who will be waiting for you on the gate, also you will be given a signage/badge (on stage of processing) with the Hospital’s logo to hold while you are in the airport. The representative will then escort you to the transportation vehicle and take you to your accommodation at the compound where you will
also be provided with all the relevant information on key contacts, induction program etc.
In addition, you will be given a General Orientation once you arrived to the hospital. This usually lasts two to three weeks (depends on your position). The General Orientation includes a review of the hospital policy and procedures, the hospital standard CPR course and medication administration
policies and general information about starting one’s life in Saudi. Before being allowed to administer
medication, nurses must pass a standard medication calculation test. Full details will be given to you on application process.
The working language is English. Some patients may speak English, but most of them speak only Arabic; translators will be available for communicating with patients who do not speak English.
Yes, the hospitals have very strong links with universities in US, UK and Australia. Most overseas healthcare providers set up their courses with Universities in their home country and do courses online. Online medical libraries from around the world are available from the hospital.
Yes, the hospital will provide you and your eligible dependents (for those who have Family contract status) any medical treatment you require, except dental care (which can be accommodated for emergency only) and cosmetic. The hospital provides free health care for you including vaccinations.
8. Social
There are numerous options open to you ranging from sporting and cultural activities, going to the beach or the desert, dinner parties, concerts at the embassies to many expatriate amateur clubs.
The list below gives you some idea of the wide array of activities.
• Aerobics and keep fit classes
• Athletics
• Basketball
• Billiards
• Cricket
• Cross Country & Road running
• Diving
• Fishing
• Football
• Golf
• Horse Riding
• Jet-skiing
• Outdoor pursuits: camping, hiking, rock climbing
• Rugby
• Sailing
• Snorkeling
• Squash
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Ten-pin Bowling
• Volleyball
• Weightlifting and Gym work
Saudi Arabia has a large selection of culinary options. You can sample Middle Eastern cuisine or international cuisines such as Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Mexican, Turkish,
and Indian. There are also the big international chains such as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Starbucks,
Planet Hollywood, Chilies etc. Alcohols are not permitted in the country.
Yes definitely! There is no requirement for women to travel in groups, you can go anywhere on
your own at any time. The hospital has drivers (private company) to take you to places and you can take a taxi that will be outside your housing.
Yes, the hospital will provide you and your eligible dependents (for those who have Family contract status) any medical treatment you require, except dental care (which can be accommodated for emergency only) and cosmetic. The hospital provides free health care for you including vaccinations.
Saudi Arabian women do indeed often wear an “abaya” and a “hijab” (headscarf) as part of their traditional dress. While foreigners are not required to wear the abaya, it is a good practice to dress modestly as a sign of respect for the local culture and customs.
For men, wearing long pants and shirts with sleeves is generally considered appropriate and modest in Saudi Arabia. However, the traditional Saudi attire for men is the “thobe,” a long white robe. Foreigners are not required to wear the thobe, but they should dress modestly with long pants and long-sleeved shirts when in public.
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