Working and living in Saudi Arabia is a unique experience. They enforce their laws strictly, and their sanctions are severe. Punishments for expatriates are harsh compared to residents since they would only get their wrists slapped. Iqama huroob check is for the Saudi government to determine if a foreign employee has any form of violations in another company during their stay in the kingdom. Foreigners should keep in mind that their employment is connected to their behavior. One can be arrested for womanizing or drinking, and not only will you be jailed and deported, but all your accrued benefits and your job will also be lost. Working in Saudi Arabia is a unique experience, and one should keep in mind the many rules and traditions that foreigners should respect. They are known for having prisons to punish lawbreakers and not to reform them. Below are some of the regulations that foreigners should follow while staying in Saudi Arabia to work.
Always Bring Your Iqama
You need to carry your visa/passport with you if you have yet to have a residency card or what locals call an Iqama. There are various checkpoints in Saudi Arabia, and if you are stopped without you having any valid ID, chances are you will be taken by the police and will be brought to jail. Most police officers in the country do not speak or choose not to speak English and will not be helpful in your violation. If you are with a woman, she must be your wife. You must have a marriage certificate translated into Arabic to prove your relationship or your Iqama to prove that you are husband and wife. Otherwise, you will both be picked up by the police to be deported.
Bad Language and Gestures
Do not make obscene gestures or swear in public. Residents in Saudi Arabia are easily offended and can escalate things uncontrollably. You should remove yourself from a situation quickly if someone takes a dislike to your actions. The general rule in the country is that in disputes, Saudi’s are always right. Obscene gestures like the finger are still wrong even in public, or when you are driving, this is not very respectful in any country, not only in Saudi.
Drugs Are Illegal
Drugs are illegal and are punishable by death. Marijuana is rumored to be used by locals, and some are growing their own, but locals or not, this is still punishable by death. Methamphetamine is also illegal, and if locals or ex-pats are caught with more than 1 gram of this substance means death. Trafficking drugs are also punishable by death, so people should think twice before bringing illegal items in any part of the kingdom.
