Job Discussion Forums

Bradt · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 16

I'm not sure how much info I should put in here, but I could use some help concerning an offer from KFUPM/DCC & Al-Falek. I've done a search and read all posts back to 2005 and can see there have been some problems with Al-Falek. I've been offered an excellent wage, but no extras. No housing, airfare, insurance or local transport goodies. I am over 50, and American, and so far these 2 factors have resulted in several "sorry no new hires over 50" and "we are only hiring British teachers".

I have a BA, 120hr TESOL, 2+ years teaching (mostly conversation) in Thailand and am currently working as a lecturer at an international school. How much does it cost for housing in Damman and are there options close to campus? Is it possible to get housing within walking, or cycling range. I don't need Western food and can eat just about anything, but I do like to cook most of my own food. Are there kitchens in the smaller, cheaper units?

Should I apply directly online to the school, or will that lead to Al-Falek withdrawing their offer? The reason I ask is that the school application site says they supply housing, airfare, insurance and local transport. If they do, but the recruiter doesn't offer these goodies is it possible to negotiate after signing the offer but before signing the contract?

Would you please give me your sage advice, ASAP, as I only have a couple days to reply.

Cheers Confused

Grendal · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:39 pm Post subject:

Is this what you got?

Grendal · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 3:16 pm Post subject:

I asked and I recieved:

destionable · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 46 Location: wherever

Dear Bradt:

So what was that fantastic salary? It would have to be to compensate for all the mobilzation/demob. costs...plus NO Housing?? Sounds to me like a poor job offer. NO DEAL!

Destionable Twisted Evil

toeknee · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 14

Hi. I got the same offer. I am a bit apprehensive given they don't cover housing and the extra stuff. How does an expat go about finding housing in Dammam? Is this a good deal?

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

Yes, decent housing is not so cheap, and check out airfares, etc.

It doesn't sound like a good offer to me at all.

A lot of the unis in the Kingdom offer housing and 2 month's summer holiday, and include all the costs of mobilization, as well as annual air fare.

sheikher · Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 291

Airfare and insurance are legal obligations of the sponsor who appears to be a bit of a shyster. Read the Labor laws in an earlier thread.

Grendal · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 7:28 pm Post subject:

Hey Sheıkher,

Yes I knew this but was waiting for you to interject. You have become a sort of Saudi Law guru. Not to mention the physical appearance of one.

I will regect the contract on that basis and have already written to recruitment at KFUPM regarding this issue. Thank you Sheikher and may God bless you and keep you. You are truely one of a kind. As it should be.

Regards.

Grendal

johnslat · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject:

Dear sheikher,

"Airfare and insurance are legal obligations of the sponsor . . ."

Insurance?
Regards,
John Question

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Al-Falak will be bringing you in on a business visa. It has had this arrangement with DCC for some five years now.

Looking at your qualifications and experience I doubt if you are going to get a higher salary and benefits as a direct hire. I think to some extent it is moot as it is almost certainly too late for them to get you here for the end of September on a direct hire contract.

I presume you have checked with them the exact starting and finishing dates. There have been problems with the finishing dates being shortened in the past.

I would presume that once at DCC if you and management like each other you could apply for a direct hire position the following year. Al-Falak would normally grab a months salary from DCC as commission if this happened. That was the procedure when they provided people to JIC.

Housing in Al-Khobar in a good furnished apartment should cost in the region of SR 2,000 to SR2,500 per month. You then have transport to Dammam to think of, so you may well hire a car.

Bradt · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 16

Thank you, all of you for your responses. I am concerned because of the lack of extras in this offer and the negative posts I have read about Al-Falek. Grendal, yes it was basically the same offer and the only reason I was considering it is because it is the first Yes I've received from KSA. I have plenty of time to continue looking, so I think I will pass on this offer. There are just too many negatives, regardless of the salary. Thanks again for your replies.
Oh, What about applying directly to the schools and bypassing the recruiter?

pegycove · Joined: 07 Aug 2009 Posts: 17 Location: saudi arabia

Dear Brad,

[email protected]

Cheers

PC

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

I wouldn't dismiss this offer out of hand considering your situation.

I knew guys on the contract you were on and many of them stayed in the Gulf compound which is behind Eurovillage. It is a downmarket compound but it does have certain benefits there.

You can get a room there for 1500 riyals a month...that was the price in 2005 anyway. It is nothing flash but it is okay.

They guys used to share AL Falak cars to get to work in Dammam which is about 20 mins down the road.

If you need the money and options aren't that good elsewhere it is worth considering.

Grendal · Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 6:35 pm Post subject:

Isn't health insurance mandatory by law?

Article 11.
If the employer subcontracts his original work, or part thereof to any natural or juristic person, the later must give the workers all the rights and benefits which are given by the original owner to his workers, for which both of them will be jointly responsible.

Grendal