Job Discussion Forums

[gjj]

I'm sorry to start a new thread about this recruiter, but after spending about two weeks browsing through all of the posts here I don't have any alternative and would really appreciate some advice.

I'm British, 49, have a BA, a CELTA, and 27 years' teaching experience in Europe and Asia, 20 of them as a DoS.

I have been offered a job with Education Experts, and so far everything has been quite professional. I have a visa and a pre-paid e-ticket, but the visa is a "visit visa" and the company still won't tell me which university I'm going to work at, only that it's "probably in Riyadh". I'm supposed to be leaving on Friday.

What worries me is that if it is really as bad as described by so many posters, I won't be able to leave without an exit visa, which I imagine would be quite difficult and expensive to obtain. Also, it seems that it is illegal to work on this type of visa.

I'm seriously considering saying "no thank you" and looking elsewhere.

I would really appreciate any comments from Saudi veterans.

Thanks so much for your help.

[veiledsentiments]

It may help if you would put the name of the employer/recruiter in the title. You can use the "edit" button in the upper right of your post and edit the subject line.

The one advantage of the "visit visa" that has been often mentioned here is that you don't need an exit visa. But that doesn't change the fact that you will be working illegally. I would expect that they can't tell you which college because they don't know yet. They will plop you where they need you.

As you read the prior posts, concentrate on the specific negative details rather than personality type clashes with management or fellow teachers. Those will vary by person and location.

Personally I'd avoid them... depends on how badly you need the job and how many of their negatives you can deal with.

VS

[Middle East Beast]

Exit visas can be easy or difficult to obtain. It doesn't depend on your employer as much as on the whims of the Saudi government. I know this to be a fact.

Regarding visas other than legitimate work visas, I believe that someone posted somewhere in the KSA forum that you don't need an exit visa to leave if you're on a visit or business visa (again, I don't know this to be a fact).

I never went to KSA on anything but a legitimate work visa, but from the intelligence I've gathered from other posters on this forum, I wouldn't mess around with those "quickie" visas (more like quirky visas).

I think you'd be taking a big risk entering KSA with that "visit visa." Have you asked them about it, i.e. why they chose the quickie visa route?

Good luck whatever your decision.

MEB

[gjj]

Thanks very much to both of you. You really confirmed what I was thinking. I don't want to work illegally.

[veiledsentiments]

I think that is a wise decision.

VS

[It's Scary!]

Wow! That's two prospective Saudi newbies to actually use their noodles and decide to the the smart and right thing in just about as many days!

I'm impressed!

It's a thinking batch of posters!

[Middle East Beast]

It's tough to turn away from a "done-deal" job, but I, too, think you've made a wise decision.

MEB

[fledex]

With Edex, it might be better to get the visit visa, because you won't need an exit visa to leave. Expect to be moved around from university to university or town to town with less than 24 hours notice. That is their policy, they don't like to notify school or have the schools find out when they are moving teachers around, until it is done. Don't expect to receive your vacation pay or ticket home. They are notorious for driving people out without these "benefits." I speak from 2 years experience working with them. Now going back to the university directly on proper visa. So they can be a stepping stone.

[Middle East Beast]

[gjj]

Thank you very much for all of your replies, and to those who sent me PMs. I'm sorry I can't reply to them, because I haven't posted enough yet. I really appreciate your advice.

GJ

[lecturer]

Do you mind telling me what kind of salary they are offering to somone with your background and experience?

[EnglishDoYouSpeakIt]

Your visa will say Not Permitted to Work on it but that shouldn't give you any problems. I spent 2 years teaching in KSA with a visit visa and never had any problems. Not having a bank account or the ability to rent or own things, or set up your own cell phone service can drag, but if you need a quick entry into a decent job it's not that bad a deal.

[DeApple]

EYSI,

While it is true you can work there, it is illegal and you are prevented from opening a bank account, but you can still buy a SIM card and phone, cash your check and sending it overseas (usually through an Iqama holder).

There is the additional monthly weekend trip to Bahrain, Qatar or nearby countries which will blow your badly needed resting time and most probably complicate your plans and commitments workwise

[scot47]

If you are going to work illergally you might as well go farther. Import a case of Bibles in Arabic and distribute thenm after Friday prayers at the Mosque.

Stand up for Freedom !

@rseholes !

[gjj]

@Lecturer, it was 13,000, plus housing, flights, etc.

What really put me off was the thought of working illegally, which means you have no legal options if things go wrong. I'm not saying that they would have gone wrong, but when I took into account all of the disadvantages of living in KSA, the illegal status just convinced me to forget it. Others may take the risk and do well - I wish them luck.

What the other posters here have taught me is that direct hire is really the best way to go, unless you are absolutely desperate.

GJ