Expert Info
on 2 Apr 2013
I have recently been given a job offer. Salary of 15000 sar. This is made up of housing and travel allowance. Is this normal practice as I was under the impression these come separately. I have also not been allocated any flights home as I will be working on my husbands sponsorship. Again is this normal. Where can I find out more regarding my rights as a westerner. All help gratefully recieved.
Job offers in Saudi Arabia vary from company to company. Most expats will be given some sort of housing and travel allowance, but this also depends on their position within the company and how unique their skills set is. So its difficult to say, if this job offer is good enough without knowing about your field of work and experience, etc.
Housing in Saudi Arabia is expensive. A furnished two-bedroom house in a compound will set you back SAR 3,400. You will also need a car to get around and you may choose to employ a driver as well. Cars and petrol are reasonably priced in Saudi Arabia though.
If you are moving to Saudi Arabia with children, it is advisable to negotiate some sort of allowance for their school fees into either your contract or that of your husband.
If you not entirely happy with the job offer I would go back to the employer and negoatiate a more suitable package which takes into account your skills, experience and the fact that you are relocating. This article of Expat Contract Negotiation contains lots of useful tips for expats in your position.
Best of luck.
Shantalie