Job Discussion Forums

[flowerpower822]

Hello,

I was offered a position at a private national (Saudi) school and they are saying we would have to pay for my husband's ticket. I find this interesting because I know a male teacher who worked at the school and he told me a different male teacher who was married brought his wife and family and the same school paid for his tickets.

Obviously, I'm female and am aware of the gender discrimination, but this seems pretty unfair. Is this typical for a school not to pay for "dependent" family members. My husband is not going with a job, due to his work being online.

fp
(I'm from the US)
P.S: I know about all the negatives about Saudi schools, so please respond to my particular question..thanks;)

[nomad soul]

Depends on the contract, but basically, employers are not required to provide airline tickets to spouses/dependents. The bigger question is whether your husband would be coming over as your dependent (with an iqama) versus on a 6-month visit visa. A similar thread can be found at http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=94789 . BTW, if you decide to come to the Kingdom, you'll have to get used to the gender discrimination.

[Linguist]

[flowerpower822]

Hi and thanks for your responses.

So, they are saying they will "assist" with his visa. I was told (by forum folks) that it depends on whether its a single or married contract, which I have asked for clarification on (still waiting). But, yes, I would like him to be a dependent and get an iqama, not a 6 month visitors visa. Also, they said he "could stay with you", which seems odd, as if they are doing me a favor by allowing my husband to stay!

The contract does not mention "spouse" anywhere, which I just realized regarding the health insurance possibly not covering him!
So, you all are saying to ask for him to be specifically listed on my iqama as a dependent is the best way to go?

[nomad soul]

[flowerpower822]

So, I got a response. They're saying its a single contract, but they "will allow" my husband to stay and help with his visa. They said that he would be a dependent on my visa though....does this make sense? Its possible for them to give me a single contract and put him on my iqama, right???
Also, they said I could get health coverage, but it would come out of my check.

About me being put off with the discrimation/segregation??? I dont think i said that. I said that Im aware of it. I basically think its something I would be able to deal with for a year, while I find a more "family-friendly" employer. Also, the fact that I will get my foot in the door internationally. I actually am in the process with a school in the UAE, which I am really hoping will go through! This is sort of a back-up;)

I'm still waiting on a response regarding a higher salary...once I can PM, maybe I could get your input about that part!

[Muhammed Abbas Khan]

Dear Flowerpower,

Firstly, what is the name of this school that you are applying to and where is it located?

You should also note that once you enter in to an employment contract in KSA that it is not always easy to leave after one year. Although of course this is not true of all employers in KSA. You should confirm that your contract is for one year and not two. Meaning that if you choose to not renew your contract after one year you will still be paid your holiday pay and end of contract flight. Also, I find it strange that you are not given a family status contract. I colleague of mine that I taught alongside in KSA was actually under the sponsorship of his wife. So I guess it is more about the employer than it is an issue of gender discrimination.

You said:
"...a different male teacher who was married brought his wife and family and the same school paid for his tickets."
This other male teacher that you mention was he also from America? As flights from America are perhaps more expensive than say London or Egypt. And how many tickets did they pay for? maybe spouse and two children which seems to be the norm.

The prospective employer said that you
"... could get health coverage, but it would come out of my (your) check"
This is problematic for a number of reasons. The first is 'how much will you be required to pay towards this health insurance?' Secondly, What kind of cover will this afford you and which hospitals will be included in this cover?

Also, do you have any other dependants aside from your husband i.e child(ren) who will be joining you in KSA?
If yes then that they will be a very important factor in selecting your employer. Why?
(a) education allowance - but since your teaching at a school (I imagine you would get a staff discount) then more importantly is the school good for your children both academically and holistically. If it's a Saudi national school then perhaps a western child would have difficulties fitting in and being accepted not to mention the language barrier.

There are other things I could mention but then you may not have any other dependants so I will stop there.
Ps I taught in a Saudi national school.
Regards,
Muhammed Abbas Khan

[flowerpower822]

Hello Muhammed,

I will PM you the name of the school.

But thanks for your help. The contract does state one year. However, the 30 days vacation apparently is only if you complete a full year. It states: " 30 days vacation pay at the completion of one (1) year from the start of date of employment." The same person who worked at the school basically said if you leave at the end of the academic year you do not get the vacation pay, but they pay your flight. Also, if you choose to stay another year, you become eligbible for the vacation after the full one year is complete...and they do not pay during the summer.

The male teacher who I was told about (from the 1st person) was not from America, but I believe South Africa...and I believe it was his wife and one child that the school paid for.

I inquired about the cost of the health insurance, but not what/where it covers. Im learning that a simple question can take days if not over a week to get an answer to. So, I have no idea!

Also, i have no other dependents.