Job Discussion Forums

[zippythefly]

I am currently working for IGIT. I would not, I repeat not work for this company. The pay, is about half what others are making and it has been late both times I was to receive it. We have been promised things, such as a mailing address and internet, and have yet to receive it. The communication with the company is horrible.
I can only speak for the management in Jeddah. I wouldn't let my worst enemy work for them. The Medina staff, I have heard are much happier and have a much better management team working with them. So if you foolishly decide to come to Saudi Arabia with IGIT, go to Medina. At least there the management will treat you like a person.

[roywebcafe]

Thanks for teh information. Which recruiter did you find the job with? I turned down the job with IGIT but the recruiter i was with still wants me to turn up in SA

[passionateteacher]

How is everyone?

I am in the application process with this company as well. Are they a legitamate company or are they a scam? I have seen an earlier post about going to Medina to work for them versus Jeddah. Do you know anyone personally who can post here to tell us about their experience in Medinah? Do you know anywhere else in the Kingdom that they recruit for? Please let me know.

[sudharsansn]

I have been contacted by this person named (MOD edit) Morgan from IGIT. He is asking me for copies of my passport and all the other documents. I asked for more information and he sent me a self-written PDF with supposed "testimonials" and nothing else apart from basic information about Saudi Arabia that can be Googled by anyone.


My questions are these:


a). Is this a scam that should be red flagged?

b). Is this just bad, unprofessional place to work?


Thanks,
Sudharsan SN

(MOD edit: do not post full names)

[passionateteacher]

I am wondering the same thing sudharsansn, today I recieved an email with a link that directed me to a website. On the website was an excel sheet that had check boxes from Saturday-Wendesday asking which times are the best times for this company to call you from Saudi Arabia, their time.

I am wondering about this company. I don't think it is a scam, since another teacher on this forum says that they currently work for them in Jeddah. However he was complaning that they don't pay them on time. I think it is just another shabby recruiting company. The questions I have are if expats are not allowed to own businesses in Saudi without a Saudi having 50 percent of the share, why are the people who are doing the recruiting do not have Saudi names?

Also why is all communication by email? They also never stated where they had got my information from, whether is was here on Daves ESL or serious teachers. At least other recruitment companies would say Hi Miss or Mr... I have seen your CV on Daves ESL or serious teachers. These people have not told me once where they have gotten my information from.

It is these things that would make me think it is a scam had it not been for the teacher who said he currently works for them. My point is if I am going to put my life in someone elses hands to move overseas, they need to have their act together.

I will go through with the process to see what happens but I am not sure if I will sign a contract with them.

If anyone else has any more information on them PLEASE share it!!!

[Mia Xanthi]

[sudharsansn]

@passionateteacher:

I got exactly that same thing. I guess both of us are on their recruitment (hit?) list right now, so please keep posting here once you receive updates. I think I applied to this job, so it didn't really come out of the blue. Also, I have not mentioned my phone number in my resume (I don't have a phone) but they still mentioned about calling time, etc.


As you said, I am going to just go along with the process and see if something worthwhile pops up. However, even if they give a good contract, I guess there is no obligation for them in Saudi Arabia to stick to it and be professional.


I am wondering what the exact problem is, with IGIT. Sure, their logo, name and everything seems dubious. However, someone seems to have a job there. Is it non-payment or late-payment, non-professionalism? I mean, if there really is a job, I am just wondering what exactly the issue is, with regard to someone taking up an offer with them.


I mean, sure I don't want to lose my passport, but just trying to understand the finer details of this dubious company.


As you have said, if anyone has ANY information, PLEASE share it.

[elephant_man]

There are non competitive clauses in employment contracts in the US as well. I was recently reading viewing a program where a woman got laid off and prospective employers would not hire her because the two year non competitive clause would show up.

Ele

[sudharsansn]

Has anyone received any updates from IGIT? I haven't heard back from them yet.

Thanks

[wanda]

I recently left Saudi Arabia due to my terrible experience at IGIT. IGIT are an incredibly dishonest company who will promise you anything to trick you into accepting their offer. However, when you arrive in Saudi Arabia you will receive very little of what you were promised. The IGIT management will refuse to answer their phones to you and, as was the case with a number of teachers, you may well be forgotten about completely and left at the airport without working contact details. IGIT treated me with contempt and anyone with any self respect will avoid them. They would not pay my visa expenses as they had said and tried to throw me out of my accommodation three weeks before giving me back my passport. They then refused to return my passport and waited until I only had just enough money left for my plane ticket before releasing me a month after I had resigned. I have heard the situation is similar in Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina.
If you dislike stress, dishonesty and disrespect do not consider IGIT. There are rumours that they will soon collapse due to failures to fulfill contracts so signing up with them is very risky indeed

[Mia Xanthi]

Scary story, Wanda. Thanks for posting it. I hope people read it as an example of what can happen with any dodgy contractor and take heed to thoroughly investigate any future employer in KSA.

[passionateteacher]

I wanted to know is Workforce Solutions and IGIT the same company? Because the same person Mr.J who offered employment to me uses the email address of workforce solutions. However they state in the FAQ which they just sent to me is that I will be working for IGIT companies and schools.

Please let me know. Thanks.

[disregardedknowledge]

I too have got an offer from a recruiter at IGIT. I am thankful for sights like these. The position sounds horrible. If anyone has any info regarding this company please email me. I am desperate for work and might accept the position.

[Mr. Mead]

I would like to confirm Wanda's and Zippythefly's condemnations of IGIT. While I was hired directly by KAAU in Jeddah, I work alongside IGIT contractees who, despite their comparable qualifications, are being taken for a ride - of which they are painfully made aware. The following are some of their experiences as outsourced faculty at KAAU, and what you can expect if you go through them:

-monthly salaries at 2-3000SAR lower than lowest paid direct hire.
-teaching an average of 7-10 more class hours per week than direct hires w/o overtime pay
-Thursday exam invigilation, again no OT pay
-shared, designated housing (no alternative w/o iqama)
-"provided transportation" involves a taxi driver who does one run in the morning and disappears until the following day
-no office/tech support, no university log-in
-I've been told IGIT fills underwhelming teaching schedules with hours at other private institutes that they hold staffing contracts with.

At the start of this semester, KAAU ELI management has been hit with a shortage of teachers as (from what I've been hearing) a group of IGIT contractees walked off the job in protest.

KAAU's hiring standards are no higher than IGIT, it's just a lot longer a process. If you want to be treated fairly and to have a modicum of job security, put in the time and go the direct route.

[scot47]

Go direct to the employer. Avoid contractors.

Some of us wizened old geezers (and geezerettes) have been saying that for a while.