Job Discussion Forums

TimWells · Joined: 16 Feb 2016 Posts: 4

I have joined this forum I am really in need of some help

I came to Saudi with a agency who promised me the world, however when I arrived in Saudi the accommodation was poor with no air conditioning, internet or working toilet facilities. I was quick to learn the visa I have is a business visa and not a Iqama.

I was debating coming home straight away but my colleagues told me to stay and as a native I would have opportunities. I am currently getting 9000 riyals a month working in Jubail.

I have put a complaint it to the company and after several weeks fixed the toilet and air conditioner but they have refused to get any internet installed on the premises. I have now bought a mobile internet dongle which is very slow but allows basic access.

I have a family back in the UK, I hold a BA in Psychology and a PGCE

Can anyone give me any general advise as I am new to Saudi.

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

I think you should escape as quickly as possible. There no is no easy way to change employer, and with your qualifications I don't think you would have much hope of a decent direct hire job. Jubail is a nice town if you are legal and looked after by the RC, but I don't think you'll get many happy memories from your current situation.

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

Your biz visit visa is tied to that particular sponsor and isn't transferable. Book a fight back to the UK (no exit visa needed) and apply only to those positions that include a proper work/employment visa, if you want to return to KSA for legit employment.

TimWells · Joined: 16 Feb 2016 Posts: 4

Thanks for all your replies

Do you think it might be a idea to walk into any local college or university to see if they will give me a face to face interviews or do you think it is best to go straight back ?

Thanks

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Go and see as many people as you can while you are there. You do not yet have enough posts to send or receive Personal Messages here.

1chunk · Joined: 05 Aug 2014 Posts: 123

Hi buddy,

Sorry but I must say I am gobsmacked to see you accepted a paltry 9000 SR salary. This is a new low in KSA. In addition, you have other problems. You are a strong man to still be around. I would've been on the next flight back.

I would suggest you make a trip to nearby Dammam and Khobar for a few days. It's a lot bigger than Jubail and there are plenty of reputable Schools, companies, and universities. You will still have to leave KSA since a business visa is not transferable.

Your business visa is another major issue and headache. Oh dear...All the best.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Check out DCC in Dammam and KFUPM in Dhahran. They usually expect a few years experience. They say that they expect an MA but in reality many teachers have only a first degree and CELTA or Trinity.

They are both civilised employers with reasonable housing. No contractors involved at the moment so jobs are all direct-hire.

My advice would be to go and visit during office hours.

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

mrpianoman · Joined: 27 Mar 2016 Posts: 171

If you have a BA in psychology and a PGCE, why don't you try and get a job teaching at a school in the UAE. Ask intelligent partners if they are still looking for teachers. If you can stick it out for a month that might give you time to get a job interview with them. Why did you accept only 9000sar by the way if you have a PGCE? You may have to return to the UK as other posters have said and start again. PM me if you would like a Uk-based agency for Saudi and the UAE. They are pretty good at getting qualified people interviews.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Jubail to Dammam is SR20 by SAPTCO. Not a huge expenditure. Another SR20 for a taxi to DCC or SR35 to Dhahran.

Public transport in KSA is cheap.

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

Rather than knocking on doors, email your cover letter and CV to prospective employers. Mention that you are presently in KSA on a business visit visa and that your services with your current sponsor will end on X future date. However, don't state that you intend to quit, if that's your plan before your next visa run. Also include your availability for a phone interview since your slow KSA Internet will make skyping impossible.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Personally, I would knock on doors. Face to face is the way to do thjngs - not a letter with CV.

laughingalltheway · Joined: 29 May 2015 Posts: 18 Location: KSA

Well... You have to go back to the UK regardless.

If you are on a business visa, you can leave at anytime. You are not legally working per say. Face to face is always a good thing. This is a business visa, for goodness sake. Come up with something to say about your circumstances for already being in country. Meeting people face to face can't really hurt.

But the bottom line is not to tolerate this current situation

TimWells · Joined: 16 Feb 2016 Posts: 4

Thanks for the advise guys

I have been doing exactly as you said and just turning up on the door but many a few schools have given me interviews and requested more details about my qualifications. Hopefully I will get a decent job.

TimWells · Joined: 16 Feb 2016 Posts: 4

What salary should I be expecting to get when it comes to negotiating ?