Job Discussion Forums

l2chill · Joined: 20 Jun 2013 Posts: 5

Hi guys,

I know this subject has been brought up numerous times in the past, but most of the valuable answers seem to be disclosed via PM so I would like to post my question up with the hope that someone can share the *secrets* of Al Falak - Aramco with me.

I've been in the Kingdom for 8 years working at KSU as a direct hire ESL teacher, thankfully not in the notorious PYP dept. Recently, the work environment, coupled with the abysmal salary scale, has prompted me to look for a job elsewhere and I was offered a job at ARAMCO via Al Falak. The offer they gave me blew me out of the water, and I am ready to make the move.... however:

1) I am Canadian with a non-related BA. I have to go back to Canada for a new visa and I would NOT like to get stuck there indefinitely. Al Falak knows about my situation and has proposed to issue me a visa in a category that matches my BA major. - Does anyone have any experience with this? Is this doable?

2) How reliable is Al Falak as a company? As a direct hire, I've heard of many of the horror stories about private companies, and I wouldn't want to be a part of that. Can anyone provide me with any information about Al Falak now, in terms of salaries being paid on time etc? Are multiple exit visas a possibility these days?

I have emailed them and unfortunately they haven't responded to my concerns, which is what is prompting me to post on the forum. I would really appreciate any info that anyone can share with me publicly/privately.

Thanks!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I can't answer your questions, but you can't send PMs until you have 5 posts. I'm not sure if you can read those you may receive or not.

VS

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

there are a number of people working with Al Falak for Aramco at my ITC and if there were any serious issues with them, I would hear about it. They are not the best and not the worst. Pay is on time. If you have specific questions, post them here and I will do my best to get answers.

l2chill · Joined: 20 Jun 2013 Posts: 5

Thanks for your help sicklyman and VS. I'm going to be based at Ras Tanura and I've been given a decent housing allowance (35K SAR) but not sure of the living conditions off-compound at RT.
Would anyone know about the quality of housing in RT, or would it be better to live in Dammam and make the commute?

I know the driving conditions aren't favorable but I'm more concerned about the quality of off-compound accommodation in RT.

Thanks again!

PS - I'm a family man so housing is fairly important to me as my wife and lil one will be accompanying me.

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

now you have 5 posts, feel free to PM me... I can put you in touch with people in RT

leon79 · Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Posts: 9

Hi guys,
I was wondering about some of the same things as the original poster.. i.e. the quality of accommodation in RT, especially outside the main Aramco compound. Got a posting there though not through Al-Falak, with a different contractor. I haven't got 5 posts yet so can't pm but hopefully that'll come soon enough..

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Al Falak was one of the better contractors - BUT in my time at KFUPM, when they were supplying some of the teaching staff, they had a HIGH turnmover. KFUPM no loner uses Al Falak as far as I know.