Iqama – Priceless!

Today was another unique Arabia adventure for us. Two weeks ago Glenn went to get his medical report done in order to obtain his iqama. Today we actually have his ‘Residency Iqama Card’ in hand! Another successful outing! The process was worthy of sharing a story.

Omar, one of our trusty AGS drivers took us to the hospital to pick up the medical papers. When he returned to the vehicle, Glenn asked him, “Am I alright Omar?” He is so sweet; he giggles and says, “Yes!”  We then called him Doctor Omar. He loved that!

With medical papers, 2 small photos and Glenn’s passport in hand off we went to the ‘Passport Office’. Oh my goodness! As Omar slowed down and we rounded the corner, we saw what resembled an open air market. There were eateries with several customers, men conducting business in portable offices, colourful beach umbrellas and a huge traffic jam. Obviously it was a popular place. We saw many men sitting with typewriters on tables, some under the shade of their umbrella, some with customers, some without. When I inquired if this was the passport place, Omar said, “Yes.” Our eyes bugged out of our heads. When was the last time you saw a typewriter let alone someone conducting business on it?

Finding a parking spot was Omar’s first challenge. After that, we found a gentleman who was not serving a customer. Thankfully Omar was with us as he was our translator. Whew! After the typewriter paper work was done, off we went to get a photocopy of Glenn’s passport. Under the makeshift open-air office, two women were scurrying around filling customer orders.

Driver Omar far left, gentleman who did Glenn's paperwork under the festive umbrella.

Next, Omar tells me to go into the building alone; only women allowed. I must have had confusion, terror, resistance or some other emotion showing on my face.  One of the dear ladies left her photocopy post and ushered me inside the building. She quickly set me up with a passport officer. Thankfully, the passport officer spoke a few words of English.  Another whew! After more paperwork, the officer took my iqama, Glenn’s passport and medical papers and put them into a little white box attached to the wall.  It reminded me of back home where the commercial tellers are behind a secure area. It didn’t appear there was any way to see into the ‘backroom’. My guess is there were men working in there and because they are not allowed to see the women working in the ‘women’s’ section, the white box system ensured segregation.

Next came the waiting along with about 30 other women. I forgot to ask how long the process might be so I took my seat and waited patiently. (One must have heaps of patience to survive here.) At one point I called Omar to ask if they were supposed to give me back Glenn’s passport. Personally, I don’t have my passport so I did not know what the process was. When I started to speak to Omar, several ladies turned to look at me. I expect it was because I was speaking English.  Who is that lady without the head scarf, with blue eyes and speaking a foreign language? It is very interesting to be in the minority.

About 40 minutes later, I thought maybe I should find out how long it might take. As I was waiting at the passport window, I heard “Canadianie”. I thought that might be a good sign given all other women looked to be from other parts of the world. Sure enough, as soon as I asked, the officer smiled and handed me Glenn’s brand new iqama and his passport. Third whew! As I left the office, I was smiling and thinking, where is that red Staples ‘Easy’ button?

 Glenn’s Iqama

ü  Visa from Canada $300.

ü  Visa in Saudi Arabia SR 2000

ü  Translated documents SR 200

ü  Application for Iqama SR 1000

ü  Medical tests in SA SR 250

ü  Typewriter Service SR 10

ü  Photocopy Service SR 3

ü  Tip for Photocopy Woman SR 10

ü  Cappuccino for Omar SR 18

ü  Glenn’s Residency Igama – Priceless!  LOL

As we were leaving the Passport Office area, Omar told me I need to go back to the same place to obtain Glenn’s exit/entry visa prior to going to Egypt in the beginning of February. Apparently there are forms I will need to fill out . . . . . . . . that may be worthy of another story!