Job Discussion Forums

[Pinkynaz]

I've just been offered a job with QEHC, I have signed the contract. Although I had to chase them up to give me an interview. I was given an interview date with A (MOD edit for names), and she didn't turn up, then given another date, and again she didn't turn up, then I though final try. Got another date, and guess what? 'well this time she turned up, but 45 mins later'.

So done the interview and got the job. Signed the contract, then sent her email asking questions.. 'no replies', then I called her and said 'oh didn't you get my email'. .... NOPE!!!

She told me I would be in a apartment in PNU which has a gym and I can call my family over after I get my iqama, but will have to move out of their accommodation. I'm just hoping she hasn't lied about bringing my family over, because I have a 2 yrs old girl, a 4yr old and a 8yr old who would think I have abandoned them.

Has any females had problems bringing family over? I know in Saudi they do not allow females to sponsor family, but their family can come on visit. Oh the drama....

[myohmy]

As far as I know, QEHC employees aren't housed on PNU campus, only direct hires live here. In fact, last I heard they were still living in hotel rooms awaiting a compound residence. I'm gonna ask around and see if I can dig up some information, but I think you are being lied to.

[trapezius]

Of course females can sponsor their family--husband and children--I have known several cases in the past. Whether your workplace will do it or not, you will have to ask them. (Of course, the husband is not allowed to work if he is his wife's dependent)

Furthermore, if you think females can't sponsor family, how come you are taking the job? Are you going to be content with your children just visiting you on and off at such tender ages?

[Pinkynaz]

Oh no, not going to connect on and off basis. Our intention is to settle in Saudi. I have family there. Hubby finding it difficult to get a job in Saudi by applying from UK. So I got the job, he will come later with kids and look for a job and hopefully find one and get his visa status changed (he will have to go back to uk and then come back on an employment visa). Then we all will have iqamas.. Well this is the plan, but I'm being put off with all the uncertainty about when the kids can come. Just thinking about being apart from them is killing me.

I have been told that Saudi law changed last year and that now women cannot sponsor their families but can only call them over for a visit.

[trapezius]

If the law really has changed, I stand corrected. But, it should still be allowed to be able to sponsor children, if not husbands, right? Otherwise that's a cruel law if an employed woman can't bring her children over.

I hope you can quickly bring them over for a visit so you can see your kids and your husband can find a job and then re-enter on a work visa. I (father) am away from my 4 year old daughter and it is painful, so I can't imagine how it would feel for a mother to be away from 3 kids, all so young.

As for settling here, you know you can't really settle here, right? You can live here as long as you keep working, but you can't really settle permanently, get the citizenship, or decide to take a year or two off work, etc.

[Pinkynaz]

I know it is a cruel law. I'm still in UK at the moment, waiting for visa to come through. I have family who have been living in Saudi for over 20 yrs just on the iqama. Hopefully when husband finds and starts work, then I will be home with the family and not working. I'm just having second thoughts now, whether its really worth it or not.

[Wilsonthefarmer]

May be this applies to your case?
"Female employeess can only bring their husband on a visit visa valid for 6 months. This process could take up to 2 months from when the employee enters the Kingdom. "
http://www.recruitment-agency.eu/company-news/esl-teachers-saudi-faqs-guide-sheet-0684

[nomad soul]

[myohmy]

In order to be considered for direct hire, you have to apply through a recruiter that is recruiting directly for PNU. It is my understanding that QEHC is recruiting for themselves. However, many teachers that worked for SBC and Edex last year were offered direct hire positions for this year and their iqamas are being transferred (this has not yet happened as far as I know and that is causing some angst). AETG refused to agree to iqama transfers, so PNU booted them and now the teachers are working for a language school in Riyadh but may join PNU again in the near future.

It's all very confusing here at PNU, but things are gradually coming together. Amazingly, the students seem to be bright and motivated and they continue to surprise and delight me. Last year was a nightmare in that regard. If not for my lovely girls I would surely have lost it by now!

[scot47]

You plan ro "settle in Saudi" ? I think the Ministry of the Interior will have different views. Foreigners cannot in most cases become permanent residents unless they have contacts with the influential.

[Wilsonthefarmer]

[CANDLES]

You can live in the Kingdom for generations as along as your sponsor gives you the right to continue to get an Iqama.

I know families who've been here for years....children born outside the country but growing up here.

I don't know about leaving kids behind (especially a mum) to work here and only seeing them during the semester breaks if she manages to get a holiday. I don't think any job is worth sacrificing a family for especially when it's a mum!

My opinion....

[scot47]

Go to Canada. It is easier to get citizenship. For KingCobra now called Wilsonthefarmner can I point out that the lady posting this IS an English teacher, not a nuclear physicist.

[Wilsonthefarmer]

Well, scotty, nowadays it is very difficult to get Canadian citizenship, and the rules of the points system have changed.

BTW, scotty, nuclear physicists and mathematicians are more likely to pass the Canadian citizenship test than English teachers.

[trapezius]