Ask anyone who has previously worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and you will know that leaving the country is probably as hard as entering it. As with entering KSA, you have to work on a lot of requirements to make sure that you have a hassle-free departure as you head back to the Philippines.
Here are some pointers you should keep in mind as you prepare to fly back home:
1) Inform your employer ahead of time.
As an OFW, you have the responsibility to send a written notice to your employer at least 30 days before your planned departure. Whether you are going home without completing your contract or are merely not interested in seeking a renewal, updating your employer is very important. You will be entitled to the benefits of the End of Service gratituity when you do this step.
2) End house contact with your landlord.
Most likely, you lived on a rented home during your stay in KSA. Before leaving, you have to settle any commitments (such as unpaid house rent) to avoid any problems. Ideally, you should inform your landlord or house owner at least one month before you leave.
3) Return any landline/DSL connections from STC.
If you are using any STC landline, DSL connection or both, then file an application for disconnection 2 weeks in advance. Pay all unsettled bills as well.
4) Settle any traffic fines.
Have you committed any traffic violations while you are in the country? You have to pay for those fines if you want to secure your final exit visa without encountering any problems.
5) Pay electric and utility bills.
In KSA, running away from your electric and utility bills can lead to legal problems. You don’t want to experience that as you prepare to leave so the best thing you can do is to settle all accounts beforehand.
6) Settle dues, surrender credit cards and close bank accounts.
Unsettled dues, even just to another individual, can be a concern if the case has reached the authorities. The wisest thing to do is to settle all your dues and surrender your credit cards ahead of time. Otherwise, you may encounter problems at the airport.
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As for your bank account, you should withdraw all your money about 3 weeks before your flight. You can send the money to your family but make sure that they receive it before your scheduled departure. That will give you some time to settle matters just in case you encounter a problem with the funds. Also, ask for a statement of account from the bank, indicating that the account has indeed been closed and you have no other dues left.
8) Ask for your employer’s introduction letter.
Before submitting a resignation letter, you should ask your employer for an introduction letter. The letter should be complete with pertinent details such as your salary, etc. Request a copy of this letter at least 2 months in advance.
9) Know how to handle ESB (End of Service Benefit).
The ESB will usually be given at least 2 days before your departure time. Ask experienced OFWs for ideas, especially regarding how to compute the ESB so you can be sure that you got the right amount. Get a letter from your employer, attesting that this would indeed be your last settlement money. Make copies of the letter for your reference.
10) Surrender your residence permit.
Called by the locals as Iqama, OFWs are held liable if they will not return their residence permit. A good idea is to photocopy the document and ask your employer to affix his or her signature on it, signifying that you have already surrendered it to them.
By following these 10 tips of final Exit Visa in Saudi Arabia, you can leave KSA without encountering any serious issues. You can fly home to the Philippines without any unnecessary worries.
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