Job Discussion Forums

jmsauer · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 8:33 pm Post subject: New Expat Age Restriction

Starting next year employers will be prohibited from renewing the contracts of xpats aged 60+. This law was passed as part of the effort to Saudify the workforce. Please take the poll and answer what percentage of your fellow English teachers are 60+.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Where did you hear this? Does it apply to the private sector, the government sector or both? The previous system in the government sector was that you had to apply for a one year extension when you reached the age of sixty, which might or might not be given. More details would be appreciated.

jmsauer · Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 6:39 pm Post subject:

It was the front page headline article on yesterday's English daily paper in Riyadh. I think it said that the Ministry of Labor would no longer approve work visas for persons aged 60 beginning with the start of next year (Hijri). But I tossed the paper.

It's interesting that the Saudi government wants to 'Saudify' the English teacher positions. I'm imagining English language textbooks that teach phrases like, "I am not understand." and "Classes began before two days."

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You've never been able to get a work visa to start working in government if your contract will expire after you are sixty. Those already in have been granted extensions however. I don't think government renewals go through the Ministry of Labour, though the initial block visa demand does. However the block visas are not tied to individuals.

There are plenty of Saudi English teachers. Some are very good. However I suspect we will be among the last professions to be totally Saudiized.

For mindless Saudiization, I would mention the fact that the military technical writer positions got Saudiized. The result is that Saudis are writing instructional material in English, for Saudi recruits. Even if the Saudi replacements were fully qualified technical translators, which they are not, it is quite against best practice to have people writing instructional material in a language that is not their native language. Of course, when the instructors don't understand the material, they can always get their trainees to explain it to them!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

There was an article on the front page of the Arab News. It did not if I remember rightly say that this would happen but that it might happen.

Our place relies heavily on wrinklies as teachers. One colleague is seventy plus. Many are over sixty.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It was in Arab News for Monday 21 November. I have figured out how to read TODAY'S online Arab News (www.arabnews.com) but time travel is beyond me.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=73513&d=21&m=11&y=2005

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

So what is the verdict ? Will they or won't they keep us on over 60 ?