Moving from the Middle East might be a bit more difficult for some people. Especially people from families as you are used to living in a particular lifestyle. Things might not be exactly as you are expecting so be prepared to be in a culture shock, especially for the kids (if your kids are older).
I'll put out points that are necessary for anyone who is moving with families.
The First step after getting a job, these are the things you need to do and don't do
1. Check the place where you want to live and approximate rent
Websites like Rightmove & Zoopla are good places to start looking for homes. What you need to look at is the distance from the school your children will go to & the distance to work. Try to find a place where both locations are not too far and if you could walk to those places. Some houses are very overpriced and always be careful with online viewing as the house might look strikingly different from the pictures.
2. Police Clearance
One of the key requirements for a UK visa is police clearance that you need 10 years of police clearance. I had lived in Pakistan before and then in Saudi Arabia. So what I did was request one of my family to do the paperwork from Pakistan, meanwhile, I submitted my paperwork in Saudi. Please make sure whichever document you will receive is in English otherwise you might need to get it translated into English
3. Document for children
If you have children you would need to submit a document confirming that you are the legal guardian of your children. I got it done on my hospital paper. But I imagine you can get it done from anywhere. as long as it's written in similar writing.
It should be formated like this
I Mr............... S/O .................. Passport Number ..................... & Mrs. ......................... W/O ................ Passport Number ................. are the parents of (insert children name) Passport number ................... We are the guardians of (children name) and are responsible for him/her/them for all their needs
There is no other guardian apart from us for the child and there is no court order giving any other person guardianship over the mentioned children
Full name and Sign
Parent 1
Parent 2
4. Marriage Certificate in English
If your marriage certificate is not in English please make sure you get it translated into English. People from Pakistan they might ask for Nadra Marriage Certificate (especially for those who got married many years back. It's not a problem but it sure makes things easier if it's the Nadra certificate.
4. Submit for routine Visa
Unless you are in a hurry it might be wise not to spend money and submit your documents early rather than in hurry, make sure you go through the list of documents that you need to submit
5. Bring your essential kitchen things
While most people will advise you not to bring a lot of things but do bring your essential kitchen items, especially for the Desi's because although you might get a similar-looking item from Amazon it will never be the exact same and you'll end up looking for a replacement.
6. Upgrade your essential Electronic Items (not necessary)
This is my advice but depends on individual choices, If you have money it is best to upgrade your electronic items before you arrive. The reason when you arrive you would be spending a lot of money on things like rent, buying furniture, buying electronics would just be an extra load on the money.
7. Bring essential winter clothes
The Uk is definitely colder than any country in the middle east so make sure you bring at least initial winter and rain clothes. You can buy the rest from here but at least start with clothes, definitely buy
8. Plan your journey
Make sure you plan your journey from the airport to your destination before you arrive in the UK.
9. Bring your essential medications in your suitcase
Please bring all your essential medications in your suitcase. As might not be able to get registered into a GP surgery for a few weeks.
10. Get an international License
Try to get an international license just a few days before you are traveling.
Now comes the Don'ts
1. Do not bring a lot of items from the Middle East
Coming from the Middle East, you might want to bring nearly 80% of the things you have. Believe me, it is a bad idea. There are many reasons why it is not a good idea. The first reason is, where will you store them. I have many friends who have not opened all the cartons that they brought with them. Most of the things will go to storage and will most likely never be opened. Secondly, the houses in the UK are smaller compared to houses in the Middle East, so space will definitely be an issue. Thirdly the cost of bringing them across would be notoriously high.
2. Do not courier glass items/ TVs
If you decide to courier your items, then my advice would be not to courier glass items. As in most instances, half of the things might be broken by the time you receive the item here in the UK. So definitely not worth it
3. Don't put medical equipment in Courier cartons
Most medical equipment such as nebulizers, gloves, masks, etc. is not allowed to be sent via courier so it's best not to add them.
4. Do not bring a load of suitcases if you can avoid
Try to limit your suitcases while you travel, it might not be possible but if you could avoid it. You won't be getting helpers in Airports like in the Middle east so you would be carrying everything by yourself which could be a hassle.
5. Don't assume anything
If you are confused about anything, it is best to confirm and ask, A lot of people got into trouble because they assumed things are exactly like we have in the Middle East. Let me assure you, it isn't.
6. Don't compare
Some of my friends who are living in Saudi, they tend to remember, life and start missing it. They cant help compare the lives in both places. It takes roughly about 1 year for people to settle in the UK. Breath in and out you will be fine.
I will be writing on what are the things to do when you arrive
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