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Post by Texas786 on Nov 7, 2012 11:19:24 GMT
Be mentally prepared that things may not happen when you expect them to happen. For example, our AC in our home broke the second or third day we arrived (in mid-July heat where's it's hot even at night). I called the maintenance number but they said my badge number was not in the system, but they would send someone out. We waited for 3 hours and no one showed up. Feeling sleepy and thinking that it wold cool off at night, we went to sleep. Woke up the next morning sweating. Called maintenance again and was assured again that they would send someone out. Another 3-4 hours and no one came. Called them again (this time very angrily because it was like an oven inside my home) and we finally realized that they had been trying to call me to come fix the AC, but my phone was not ringing. They sent someone to fix the AC by 7pm. Had to call yet another time to get the wiring for the phone fixed (turned out to be a loose wire in the telephone box on the outside of the house). People were trying to call my home phone to help us the first week, but couldn't get through. Looking back, I should have called every half hour until someone showed up at my door. Build your network of local contacts here before you arrive and have their phone numbers ready when (not if) something goes wrong. Make sure your home phone rings when you arrive though  |
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Post by S M Siddiqi on Nov 7, 2012 15:33:29 GMT
I am called for an interview next month, Can any body help me about the interview and the steps involved, especially if there is any written test involved
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Post by S M Siddiqi on Nov 10, 2012 3:05:12 GMT
hi, I am called for interview for a finance position. Can you let me know the type of questions they asked during the interview especially finance related. Rgds SM.. Field/Dept: Finance Interview: Feb. 4 Reply from ASC: Feb. 8, email that offer is being prepared Offer: email Feb. 14, hardcopy Feb. 17 Acceptance: Feb. 18 Paperwork turned in: Feb 28 (medical, background, school,benefits) Paperwork turned in: Mar 6 Visa applications and documents Orientation/Visa medical: Mar 23rd Houston Clearances completed: Background Investigation / Medical / School - Apr 9th Visas: May 31 (44 days) Departed: June 27 Arrived : June 28 The paperwork continues..  [/quote] |
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Post by psode on Nov 27, 2012 20:48:52 GMT
Timeline is updated on page 4.
I guess we are headed to the KSA.
Wow...
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Post by ohcanada on Dec 4, 2012 15:07:18 GMT
HI all - hard to keep track of who from the initial February job fair/interviews is still waiting to get their visa? Am I alone? I got the offer in Feb. and am still going through the visa process with the consulate in Ottawa. I hope to be there by end of Dec. still but am frankly getting quite depressed by the whole process, especially when I see people who were hired in Sept and October, who already have their visas and tickets. :shock: It's even harder when you're unpacking decorations in neatly taped/packed boxes that you never expected to be opening in a cold, icy gae in snowy Edmonton! Patience... Patience... |
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Post by Overland on Dec 8, 2012 16:05:14 GMT
OC: Don't be discoued, my friend. Seems that the second time through works, but the consulate moves slowly. We have been here about 10 days now. There are different issues to deal with when you arrive. The patience you practice now will be a good skill to have when you arrive.
I will PM you some contact info if we can assist you when you arrive. It is good to have friends...and you will find many here.
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Post by Yousif on Dec 9, 2012 2:42:48 GMT
Hi,
I just want to announce that finally I got my visa after 8 months, and I would like to thank all members of this forum their help and assistance.
I have a question regarding what items are worth taking with me and what I shouldn’t take; I shall be going from Canada.
Yousif
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Post by Overland on Dec 9, 2012 3:17:43 GMT
Despite what you may hear, I have yet to see 110v small appliances available in any retailer off camp. Bring any that you need. Screws and nails. Bring an assortment or be prepared for limited selection and priced by the single fastener. Even Hardware Street in Khobar seemed limited in that regard. I am sure that eventually I will source all, but in the beginning it is easier to bring from home.
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Post by vpainter on Dec 9, 2012 20:29:11 GMT
Extra, Saco, and Zaina (Sears store) has 110V small appliances. Just not very many and limited selection. We bought our microwave at the Sears Store. I just bought an electric tea kettle at the Saco store on Dhahran Road.
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Post by Overland on Dec 10, 2012 3:13:51 GMT
Vpainter is correct. You MAY find what you want, but it is very limited. If there is something that you want and you have some level of quality expectation, bring it with you. The CS managers are still in discussion phase on 240v conversion mandated by royal decree. The method of conversion has yet to be determined. I think one could reasonably expect at least 2 years before camps see conversion to 240. That is a long time to wait for reasonable selection of consumer appliances.
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Post by Overland on Dec 21, 2012 5:13:03 GMT
Needed a coffee grinder so took a trip to Saco. They had 8 to choose from, one of which was 110v. It would not have been my first, or even my third choice. But it is 110! Hopefully is will serve its purpose to grind flax seed.
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Post by CanPeng on Dec 21, 2012 13:23:25 GMT
Hi Overland,
A quick question regarding your note about the plan to switch everything over from 110V to 220V. Wouldn't you think that in this case no one should be buying new 110V appliances, because if this happens you will have to toss them in the garbage! Even if this doesn't happen overnight and it was gradual, the resale value of everything you bought will diminish.
Thanks
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Post by ohcanada on Dec 28, 2012 19:40:05 GMT
Hey fellow Canadians: I got my passport and visa back today and am leaving on Dec. 31st, arriving in Dammam Jan. 1st - finally! It has been ten months since I was hired. What a ride!See you all when I get to Dhahran. ohcanada (Wynn)
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Post by northstar on Dec 29, 2012 4:30:16 GMT
Congrats ohcanada........exciting times........wish you all the best with your move. If all goes well, we will be in the Kingdom in the next couple weeks as well. Which camp will you be staying in? We'll be in Abqaiq. Maybe we can get together once we are in KSA barbque maybe CANADIAN style  NS |
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Post by CanPeng on Dec 29, 2012 7:51:34 GMT
Congratulations Ohcanada, and best wishes to you, if you could share with us the date on which your visa application was submitted this would be much helpful. Waiting for visa now, the plan is to travel to Dahran first or second week of Jan.
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