Job Discussion Forums

[desertfox]

I guess this may apply to all or a lot of direct hire positions at Saudi Universities.

I am reflecting on the fact of the mediocre benefits now provided by Kfupm to their teaching staff.

One paid for flight a year (and that has now become a qualified benefit, in many cases teachers pay 50% of the cost).

Teachers are obliged to pay for their Iqama (once they have arrived), plus any exit/entry visas that they require.

Moreover, the medical cover is skimpy. There is a clinic on the campus for the very basics, with a dodgy dentist who looks like he has seen better days (professionally).
There is no optical provision whatsoever.

It must also be borne in mind that the applicant pays up front for everything when applying for the work visa in the UK. Including the medical costs.

Historically, direct hire positions at universities attracted lower salaries, which was fair enough. But with the benefits being undermined so much now due to the cuts. it is more and more questionable as to whether these positions have the same viability.

Especially if you factor in the proposed income tax imposition that has been long talked about.

[AV15]

I'm amazed they get anyone out there for the laughable 12000 SAR a month many places offer now.

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

After working for starvation wages in a place like Poland or Indonesia, an offer at KFUPM may seem attractive !

[hash]

[currentaffairs]

The above figures are somewhat exaggerated. Costs include some guys shelling out 1500 USD in medical/visa fees just to get to the magic kingdom. No reimbursement. You get charged 200 SAR every time you want to leave the country (300 SAR for summer break). Iqama renewal costs 500 SAR every year.

Another factor is that almost no one starts their contract in the first year when they should. I was three months late, and the average seems to be between two - four months. This is all lost earnings.

Overall, 12,000 SAR is pretty low for KSA.

[hash]

[currentaffairs]

Vacation time is a big plus when working at universities. It does help you survive. Salary increases are on hold at my university, though. Freeze across the board.

[scot47]

Hash has summed it all up very well.

[hash]

[Siobhan 22]

For BA in non-English, CELTA and 12 years ESL experience I was offered 13500.

The non-refundable Iqama fees are a bind, plus transport and accom. to go back to the UK.

The holidays are still a plus (compared with the 30 days for Colleges of Excellence etc).
The accommodation is provided as well and is acceptable.

I pulled out due to the Iqama and a 15000 SAR (standardised) offer for a CoE, plus a business visa paid for by the company via Bahrain.

[currentaffairs]

[1chunk]

[bigdurian]

Salaries at unis will equal starting salaries at military/oil if you stick around long enough. But that doesn't take into account that those who stick around in military/oil are also seeing their salary go up by meaningful amounts year on year.

Standard US company payrises are 4%. On 25,000 a month that's 1000 a month extra. 12,000 SAR a year extra.

Stick around for a few years and do the maths yourself. A uni job will never come close.

[psychedelicacy]

12,000 for direct hire is rubbish, but because KFUPM is one of the best universities, it probably doesn't have to try very hard to get staff, so there is no reason for wages to rise. Lesser-known universities in smaller cities pay a lot more.