Job Discussion Forums

BBCbanana · Joined: 05 Jun 2014 Posts: 3 Location: UK

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and also to working in Saudi Arabia. I've been offered an ESL position at KSU and would like some advice about the deductions mentioned on the job offer:

"In cases where the Employee terminates the contract without completing one full contract term, the Employee will be liable to pay to the Company all amounts associated with recruitment and employment of the Employee in Saudi Arabia."

I've contacted the agent who is dealing with ICEAT and they replied saying I only have to pay for the flight tickets to go home at the end of the probation period.

I'm not sure about this and would like to know if this is true. Also, what happens if I don't pass the medical check and unable to get a VISA? Would ICEAT still reimburse the cost of this process?

I look forward to your advice. Many thanks in advance!

johnslat · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:17 pm Post subject:

Dear BBCbanana,

"I've contacted the agent who is dealing with ICEAT and they replied saying I only have to pay for the flight tickets to go home at the end of the probation period."

Is it true - maybe yes, probably not. GET IT IN WRITING.

"Also, what happens if I don't pass the medical check and unable to get a VISA? Would ICEAT still reimburse"

HIGHLY doubtful - but ask and see what they say. If they say, "Yes" - see the advice above.

The only problem, of course, is that even if you do get it in writing, there's really nothing you can do if they go back on what they wrote.

Most agents (i.e. recruiters/contractors) will say just about anything.

Regards,
John

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

BBCbanana:

It's surprising that you're asking these questions considering all the negative posts about ICEAT. Before making any decision to accept their offer, you might read through the KSU/ICEAT threads within this forum to know what you'd be getting into.

BBCbanana · Joined: 05 Jun 2014 Posts: 3 Location: UK

Thanks for your reply nomad soul!

It's exactly because I've read the posts here about ICEAT that I would like answers to these questions.

Has anyone experienced having deductions taken out or been forced to pay any fees?

BBCbanana · Joined: 05 Jun 2014 Posts: 3 Location: UK

Thank you for your posts. I've received a reply from ICEAT :

In the first year of employment, the company bears the cost of onboarding a new employee including visa costs, iqama costs, medical costs, etc.

In a scenario, where the employee has completed the probationary period, but not completed the contract (only in the first year of employment) the company will deduct onboarding costs from the employee's final settlement.

It still is confusing to me as the recruitment agent said employees only need to pay for flights home as long as they complete probation, nothing else. This was via email but of course they can always go back on their word.

I'm not sure whether to accept or not. Initially I really wanted to try something different and out of my comfort zone but this seems quite risky financially as I do not want to have to pay any 'onboarding' costs before earning enough wage to do so!

SirAristede · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 12:25 am Post subject:

I assume you haven't signed the contract, since you're referring to the conditions of the job offer, but if you're having reservations about the position before even signing the contract, definitely think twice. The fact that you're asking explicitly about the particular tenets of the contract related to employee termination of the contract implies that you're indecisive and that you would consider terminating if things weren't to your liking.

While it's important to clear up any ambiguous language, asking too many more questions about contract termination raises too many red flags with your potential employer. Positions in the Gulf entail risk. And yes, outside of going to the Ministry of Labor (which one of my friends recently did against QEHC and succeeded) you'll have little recourse. Remember, that only the contract you sign in Arabic when you arrive will be considered if there is any dispute.

I would aver that you'd be paying a lot more than just a plane ticket home if you terminated. It's more likely that you'd lose the balance of any monies still owed to you if you terminated your contract. (This all depends on the employer and how much they care to enforce the contract).

In all things, be judicious.

cultofpersonality · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 94

In all cases only go with what ICEAT say as they are your employers.

Forget about the recruitment agency...focus on ICEAT!

It seems that if you jump before the end of your contract you will pay the onboard costs as well as your own flight home. I think this is fair to be honest. Nothing shady!

CANDLES · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 10:21 pm Post subject:

1) ICEAT pay for your flight there (KSA) and back to your home at the end of the contract.

2) Medical in UK/USA/ & KSA will be reimbursed by them. You have to have another medical for the Iqama in KSA.

3) Any in between flights you take to your home is at your expense- semester break going home- you pay.

4) If you terminate the contract after 3/4 months you pay for your own ticket. Before the 3 months (probationary period) if you terminate then you reimburse everything - visa fees, air ticket.