Job Discussion Forums

monicamike · Joined: 23 Jun 2014 Posts: 2 Location: Riyadh

I'm a female teacher that has applied for a job with Education Experts (Edex) in Saudi Arabia. I was told I couldn't opt for my housing allowance to live out of company provided housing. Has anyone else experienced the same issue with Edex and/or other companies? Do other companies offer the option to take housing allowance or not?

I also hear that Edex housing is very bad and would like to know if this is true. How do other housing arrangements compare with other companies? I don't want to be stuck in a bad housing arrangements Shocked

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Per Saudi immigration, every woman is required to have confirmed accommodation for the duration of her stay in KSA. Therefore, it's easier (and cheaper) for contracting companies to provide their female workers with designated accommodation rather than give a housing allowance and have the women attempt to secure living quarters on their own. So even though you see job ads mentioning the choice of a housing allowance or employer-provider accommodation, that allowance is very likely meant for male teachers only.

EdEx is crappy. Their company-provided housing may be just as crappy... or not. Just be aware you'll have to live in whatever accommodation they put you in.

Muhammed Abbas Khan · Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 73

There is also the issue of transportation. If you are living in company provided accomodation then one can assume that they will arrange some form of transportation.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 2:27 pm Post subject:

Dear Muhammed Abbas Khan,,

I don't know - assuming anything, especially with regard to contractors/ recruiters / employers in Saudi, may not be a good idea. Very Happy

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It is safe to assume the worst. You cannot imagine how bad it can be if you get the wrong employer or contractor.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Muhammed Abbas Khan · Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 73

Dear All,

My point was that in the unlikely event that Edex were to allow for a housing allowance in lieu of company accomodation then such a female employee would also need to find a reliable and reasonably priced driver for her daily commute.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

"they're more likely to house them in apartment blocks "

AKA "girl ghettos"

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I remember the "girl ghetto" in Saudia City, Khaledeya where Saudi Arabian Airlines housed the stewardesses. No "flight attendants" in politically incorrect KSA. Security was like in a federal penitentiary.

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

scot47:

That's the girl ghetto I was thinking about, plus the one with all those nurses.

The ladies could sign out for the weekend and hang out at the various compounds and the beach compounds at the creek. There was always plenty of room, and we even sent company buses to collect them. Laughing

MuscatGary · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 5:59 pm Post subject:

minamouse86 · Joined: 02 Jul 2014 Posts: 2

any companies providing housing in KSA? we hear various stories....it also seems like recruiters also end up making promises to secure their targets and go at all length. do they have the rights by saudi labour law to prison us ? where is the freedom or is this another method of saving money long term strategy.

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

Muscatgary:

We respected the religious and cultural traditions of our compound.

minamouse86:

"where is the freedom"

If you're asking this question, you probably shouldn't be considering SA.

SirAristede · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 10:59 pm Post subject: