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.

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)

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.

Upon entry in Saudi Arabia, your passport will be kept in Government Relations Department at
NGHA, apparently it’s under the immigration law. The Employer can keep the employee’s passport and
alternately the Employer will provide a resident ID or IQAMA to the employee, it is the identification
card that Saudi officials require to Expatriates. This is also for the safety of the employee not to lose
their passport. In case the staff wants to travel they can get their passport any time, but they have
to render their Iqama to Government Relations first.

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.

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.

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.