[PhillipHer]

as far as I know there is a govt fees for that process. Not sure it's 500 but kafeel takes that much for exit re-entry stamp. But if u r working in a company and a company is ur sponser then it's all their headche. the exit re-entry, the insurance, the iqama and every expense related to u is the responsibility of the company and company doesn't charge any thing to the employee. But if u r coming on free visa u should be prepared to spend a lot of money. Becoz everthing, tell u everthing even a piece of paper is charged by those blood sucking kafeels. Best thing is come on a free visa if u don't find a company visa and take transfer as early as possible to a good company.

But the new rules have made that part difficult as well. If u come on free visa u can't take transfer for 2 years. that means be prepared to feed the kafeel for everything for the first two years until u r eligible to take transfer. and that blood sucker also takes money to give the release as well.

Becoz of the new neqaty system where companies are categorized in 3 color codes red, yellow and green. The green is the safe house. the yellow is the border and with time the kafeel can jump in red or green depending upon hiring of saudis. The red is the danger zone. No official works happen when the kafeel is in red.

Coming to bribes. dear this place is no diffrent from any other place. and the percentage of bribes is rising to it's high and govt is doing nothing to stop it. So be prepared to give that when u fall in trouble.

jazakallah khair.