How soon can Bachelor status change?

Ms Gold Finger
Newbie

Posts: 2

How soon can Bachelor status change? Jul 14, 2015 6:26:02 GMT

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Post by Ms Gold Finger on Jul 14, 2015 6:26:02 GMT

Hi there,

I'm new to the forum but been following posts and discussions for months. My hubby has just received his contract and his paperwork (visa and work permit) are still in process. We're obviously married with small kids and we were willing to relocate. He didn't get the position he had applied for but he did get offered a Grade Code 10 position on Bachelor status. I'd like to know what are the chances or more importantly the timeline of him getting promoted or moving onto a position that offers Family status? We're South African and I'd like to prepare for our kids (eg.: schooling, our academic year runs Jan - Dec) amongst other things.

Is this something he should raise with the company on arrival or would it paint a bad picture of him as an employee? I also understand that the Jazan refinery is not ready yet neither is the housing and not suitable for family status yet, so we're prepared to wait. I'd just like to get a bit of clarity from anyone who may have been in this situation before.

Thanks

vpainter ExPats Administrators Moderator Posts: 3,701 Job Status: None of the Above	How soon can Bachelor status change? Jul 15, 2015 15:11:34 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by vpainter on Jul 15, 2015 15:11:34 GMT GC 10 is not eligible for family status. There are no guarantees he would ever get a GC increase. Family status is GC 11+.

Ms Gold Finger
Newbie

Posts: 2

How soon can Bachelor status change? Jul 23, 2015 10:20:10 GMT

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Post by Ms Gold Finger on Jul 23, 2015 10:20:10 GMT

Thank you so much for the reply. He had applied for a GC 11 position but this changed last minute to GC 10. He accepted on the understanding that his GC would change within 12 - 18 months.

I know that there are no guarantees, my reason for asking is merely to find out if this is common or is it difficult to get a GC increase once in the company?

bogiefrommuskogee
Senior Member

Posts: 177

How soon can Bachelor status change? Jul 28, 2015 1:15:25 GMT

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Post by bogiefrommuskogee on Jul 28, 2015 1:15:25 GMT

Unless the change to GC 11 was put in writing, don't count on it. The company is very dynamic. People can change positions fairly quickly and promises can be forgotten. Promotion frequency also varies widely by department. Try to get the GC 11 promotion assurance in a letter.

There can be negative consequences with changing to family status. We know someone who came to work in Dhahran as a bachelor and lives in Dhahran camp. He later got married to someone who was working in Saudi. He has not reported the marriage because, due to housing availability, he would be forced to move to Udaliyah and he does not want that commute every day. I think it is better to come here happy with whatever offer is in hand.

GroveWanderer
Members

Posts: 731

How soon can Bachelor status change? Jul 28, 2015 5:59:01 GMT

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Post by GroveWanderer on Jul 28, 2015 5:59:01 GMT

While GC increases in general are not necessarily uncommon, they are also (as others have said) not guaranteed. However in my experience the change from GC 10 to 11 is the most tricky. The reasons are not difficult to figure out - the change potentially involves the company in a large amount of extra costs related to housing, family benefits, educational assistance etc. So I would just echo what a previous poster said - if you don't have it in writing, you can't count on it happening.

I don't want to sound too negative but if your husband does come, you should factor in a potentially long wait before you and your kids could join him here, with the possibility that it might not ever happen.

SEN Newbie Posts: 2	How soon can Bachelor status change? Aug 11, 2015 21:00:56 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by SEN on Aug 11, 2015 21:00:56 GMT hi I got offer as GC10 grade and single status.I am married and have 2 kids.If possible can I bring my family to KSA with me by my own expense after probation period .Can any one suggest me about this issue. many thanks

vpainter
ExPats Administrators

Moderator

Posts: 3,701
Job Status: None of the Above

How soon can Bachelor status change? Aug 12, 2015 13:03:09 GMT

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Post by vpainter on Aug 12, 2015 13:03:09 GMT

Working for Aramco as a GC 10 is not eligible for family status. I do not know if you could bring them at your own expense. They would be unable to live in Aramco housing and they would not be able to use any Aramco facility, healthcare, or schools.

There are no guarantees for a promotion to GC 11 for family status.

There are exceptions for GC 10's bringing family, but that would have to be in writing before you arrived.

You would need to go to HR once you are here and work with them to bring family in as GC10, just no guarantees it will happen without it in writing before you come.

How soon can Bachelor status change?

Post by Ms Gold Finger on Jul 14, 2015 6:26:02 GMT

Post by vpainter on Jul 15, 2015 15:11:34 GMT

Post by Ms Gold Finger on Jul 23, 2015 10:20:10 GMT

Post by bogiefrommuskogee on Jul 28, 2015 1:15:25 GMT

Post by GroveWanderer on Jul 28, 2015 5:59:01 GMT

Post by SEN on Aug 11, 2015 21:00:56 GMT

Post by vpainter on Aug 12, 2015 13:03:09 GMT