Job Discussion Forums

[Eric Carlson]

Here is the outline of what to look for in a good job in the Middle East � and what a good employer will provide for you.

In the beginning look for a company that demands a police clearance certificate and attestation of your educational certificates. I know it�s a nuisance doing all the paperwork, and you�re not a criminal, but what if the guy you have to share a flat with turns out to have a history of violence? The police in Gulf countries will not intervene in a dispute between Westerners. A bad company will not help you. You flat-mate or neighbour could physically attack you, or worse, and there would be nobody willing to help you, or even listen to your story.

What if your �professional colleagues� have mostly dodgy certificates from the University of Life? If your employer doesn�t check, this will be the case. That means if you know what you�re doing, then you will be doing the lion�s share of the work, as your colleagues will not be competent. You may also find that your managers are not only unqualified as teachers, but additionally are untrained in management.

You should receive an open return ticket to your destination in your own name. If not, why not? Don�t accept a different offer. If you arrive at a location and �your accommodation isn�t quite ready� or they have �decided to move you to a different location� then use the ticket in your hand and get straight back on the plane. Things will go from bad to worse. Make sure you can return to your point of origin. Imagine arriving in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman with only a one way ticket. Your accommodation turns out to be a cockroach infested dive, with broken air conditioning. The temperature inside is 40 degrees C plus. What will you do? Don�t laugh and think it can�t happen. It can and it does.
Never, ever, part with your passport. It may be the last you see of it. Without your passport you are a prisoner in a foreign country. No good employer will take your passport. If a visa is needed, then go yourself with the company representative to obtain it.

If the accommodation is going to be great, then ask for some pictures. If your employer can�t send you a picture of your accommodation, then why not? Something is wrong. It�s not a big deal to take a digital photo and e mail it to you. A good contract will list exactly what will be in your accommodation. This should include a television, fridge, washing machine, bed, dry cleaned or new bedding, sofa and armchairs, and cooker with stove, amongst other things.

Look at the contract. It should be several pages long and very detailed. If it is just a couple of paragraphs typed up in Word last night, don�t accept it. It would be meaningless in legal terms. If your potential employer can�t be bothered to give you a real contract, how do you think they will treat you when you arrive? With great respect? Or with disdain and irritation at having to communicate with such a contemptible nuisance?

Hope this helps a bit. Be careful. Good luck.

[metalval]

Thanks for advice. What you describe is good but will you be able to find a job which satisfies your requiements?
If you need a job you'll take wherever you can get, just to get experience.
Run back to your country? What if there is nothing to run for?

[veiledsentiments]

See this thread for what the people with long term experience reply to these ideas:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=73440

VS