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Post by Sarah on Feb 17, 2015 0:20:39 GMT
Hi All,
We are currently waiting on a Visa Block for my husband and will be based in Dhahran.
I currently work in Oil and Gas in Australia (at the same company as my husband) and am hoping to continue working in KSA. I have seen in Dhahran there are several western company offices such as S, Halliburton etc.
Can anyone give any info or experiences they have had on work for wives? Will my visa allow me to work? Are companies allowed to hire me as a woman etc?
Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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Wutz
Senior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Wutz on Feb 17, 2015 2:06:18 GMT
Hi Sarah,
I wouldn't come here expecting to work - that's not to say it couldn't happen, but my understanding is that there is a high likelihood that it won't. A few years ago, it was fairly common, but visas for spouses appear to have dried up for at least two years. Even with highly relevant skill sets and backgrounds directly applicable to positions that Aramco is hiring for, wives have a hard time getting the work visas necessary (inside and outside Aramco). Your own visa as a spouse will not allow you to work legally inside the Kingdom. The working visas are issued by the government, with very limited influence from Aramco. Companies do hire expat women directly from out of Kingdom, but usually bachelor status. Also, if you do manage to get a visa and are hired by a company other than Aramco, you may find it very difficult to synchronize vacation schedules with your husband unless you have prior agreements.
Best of luck,
Wutz
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Post by detfans on Feb 17, 2015 4:39:04 GMT
Hi Sarah
If you have 10+ years of experience and at least a master degree (phd will increase your chances) you are more likely to find casual employment with Aramco, but it might take several years, yes, years. As Wutz mentioned, the work visas for expat females has decrease almost to none in the last year. Casual employment with Aramco means you will receive basic salary, all the other benefits will come through your husband (housing, bonuses, repat allowance, and so on), but you will be able to match your vacation time. Lots of patience and low expectactions are recommended.
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Post by vpainter on Feb 17, 2015 8:19:25 GMT
If you can get work at Haliburton or other company once here, your sponsorship would transfer to that company and you would be issued a new igama and resident visa. Working for Aramco does take time and your efforts in going to visit the department you would like to work in and acquiring a position would be in the managers hands to receive approval to hire you.
Working for a company other than Aramco does not guarantee you to have vacation at the same time as your husband.
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Post by dtromp on Feb 17, 2015 9:59:31 GMT
Just a few more data points: in my department, we have 2 ladies in technical positions (1 engineer, 1 data manager). Three friends' wives have been hired by the school system within the last year. I don't know any further details, but it seems that there are possibilities.
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on Feb 18, 2015 16:44:15 GMT
For the wife, it is far better to come here, NOT expecting a job and finding one than to come expecting one and finding nothing.
I do not know of any wives who have arrived in the last 12 months who have been offered jobs, outside of the community and schools. When I asked about casual hire 12 months ago I was told there was a blanket ban on work permits for spouses - I don't know if this applies still.
I do know of trailing spouses who were promised jobs before they arrived only to find they haven't materialised once in Kingdom. These spouses don't last long here.
If you decide to come, manage your expectations!
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Post by Sarah on Feb 20, 2015 0:27:57 GMT
Thanks everyone.
We have had confirmation from Aramco that if I get a role somewhere else, they just need to provide a letter allowing me to accept as they are sponsoring me and I remain an Aramco sponsoree.
They have indicated these are almost always given, so hopefully I do end up finding something, (ideally at aramco) although we are aware this may not happen.
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