Ozbek

Hi all,
I've got an interview with a JV mining company for a job in the KSA coming up. With the current sabre-rattling between Iran and Israel and some of the compound incidents in mind ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...n_Saudi_Arabia ), I have a few questions I hope you can help me with:

1. If you live on a compound paid for by your company, how would you rate the competency of the compound security personnel?
2. Does your company have an evacuation/ airlift plan in case SHTF?
3. Is it taboo to broach this topic during an interview?

Alexa

A. Well, they have 2 legs and they move...sometimes
B. kind of.....
C. Depends on how much you want the job.

This is, of course, just MY opinion. Others may think of it differently.

I lived there when 3 compounds were bombed in one night. Mine was not, thank God. Some people left after it...but no evacuation as far as I know.
I know people who were on the attacked compounds, nobody was evacuated as far as I know. People stayed at home for a few days...and those in damaged houses, well, they also stayed there.
But again, I do not know what everybody did or how they were treated by their employers...others may have other experiences.

Ash786

Hi Alexa

1) Cant comment on all compounds (I live off compound in Jeddah) but some compounds are better than others. (e.g. Arabian Homes - Sierra Village have two lots of checkpoints with guards armed to the teeth)...naturally this is one of the most expensive compounds

2) Your company should have an evacutation plan (mine does) or some form of security dept. Aside form this, you should register with the the FCO anyway if/when you arrive in the country.

3) Nothing wrong with asking the question, we are living in dangerous times and if companies want expats to come out here they should also provide the necessary evacuation for you and your family should it all got t*ts up.

Ash786

Err...sorry should have been addressed to Ozbek, not Alexa...I will remember next time to engage my brain before my fingers

Regards

Alexa

Ash yes, they are armed to the teeth...question is...on who are they going to use those arms.....

And yes, there are plans....

And yes, they should...

I guess after 14 years in the ME I am kind of disillusioned.

OleJanx

Disillusioned? Naaa! Realistic, more like.....

lostinthedust

"... they should also provide the necessary evacuation for you and your family should it all got t*ts up."

We keep valid Multiple entry-exit visa's at all times whether planning to go on vacation or not.

Alexa

IMHO coming to the ME means this :
A. You are coming into very unstable (in oh so many ways) territory
B. You hope and pray that during the time you are there things (in oh so many ways) don't go t.ts up
C. You ALWAYS have multiple exit re entry, and a place to go to
D. You keep a low profile
E. You take a deep breath and thank the Lord once you are out.
F. You are well aware that you can't depend on anybody or anything
Oh, and the most important thing...you make enough money to make this whole thing worth it.

lostinthedust

^^^ exactly

In Riyadh I find the greatest threat to personal safety is the roads. If I make it home today in one piece it will be a good day.

Ozbek

Thanks for the input folks! I was peppered with technical and situational response questions and we ran out of time. They needed to cut the call and I didn't get through all my own questions (including the security one). Reckon that if they're interested, they'll keep in touch and I'll ask the manager then.

Ash786

C. You ALWAYS have multiple exit re entry, and a place to go to
D. You keep a low profile
Oh, and the most important thing...you make enough money to make this whole thing worth it.[/QUOTE]

C. I always keep a bag packed as well with essentials (phone, wallet, passport etc) just in case I had to leggit suddenly.

D. Difficult for me as I am 6'3" tall in a land full of midgets but I try my best to be discrete. I never eat in a restuarant, always buy takeaway and eat it in my apartment. Lonely but safe

Ditto, never forget why you are here. Get in, make as much as you can, and get out when it gets too tough.

OleJanx

C. I always keep a bag packed as well with essentials (phone, wallet, passport etc) just in case I had to leggit suddenly.

D. Difficult for me as I am 6'3" tall in a land full of midgets but I try my best to be discrete. I never eat in a restuarant, always buy takeaway and eat it in my apartment. Lonely but safe

Ditto, never forget why you are here. Get in, make as much as you can, and get out when it gets too tough.[/QUOTE]

You seem to have the right idea. A regular routine is bad news. I too never ate in restauraunts, never tried setting a set routine. alweays be prepared to do the unexpected. Paranoid? Maybe. Safe? Well I survived 30 years plodding round the Gulf not doing the expected...

Ash786

Ozbek

One thing I forgot to mention, if your interview was cut short, you could email your questions to them? They may have a hissy fit as to why someone would have the bloody cheek to enquire about safety and security before accepting a job offer in Saudi. If that does happen and they don't get back to you, you have probably dodged a bullet or two (literally and metaphorically).

OleJanx

If you have any doubts about Saudi, then there is usually good reason for them. Saudi is no place for second thoughts when you are there.

Alexa

There is something I want to mention though. Despite of everything mentioned above, I had a FABULOUS time in Saudi. The entertainment was incredible, in quality and quantity...and there was lack of literally nothing.
But, that was me...and I guess I was lucky.