Jammy_Dodgers

Dilemma guys.

Im here on a project in Dubai, however, the company i work for has just won 3 big contracts in Riyadh.
So, lucky me has to go out for the next 3 weeks to kick the project off.

I can already see that the workload will require full time resource for the next 9 months...namely me.

Any forum regulars will know my views on Saudi so i wont go on about it,
(id rather be bum-raped by a gorilla than be there)

However, I only took this contract on the basis that it was a fixed term project in Dubai, and as such, I was happy to reduce my daily rate to reflect this.

If i had known that the majority of work would be there I would have either not taken the role, or asked for a few hundred quid more a day.


So, what should i do??
Im getting a REALLY pissed off as they managed to sort out a 6 month Saudi visa in 3 days, but have made no steps yet for my UAE res. visa after 7 weeks.

thoughts please

NorthernLad

Does the contract say anything about how much travelling/working outside Dubai is required?

Could be straight up with them and tell the truth...it's not safe to go there. Yesterdays incident highlights that.

Confucius

What was your favourite gorilla colour again???

Jammy_Dodgers

Nope, but i was told the requirement was for 12 months consultancy for Emirates. No travel outside of the UAE.

I have already forwarded the link, but no response. The senior management are the same as your guys NL, Quarter end profits are all that matters....

Jammy_Dodgers

Any other opinions guys????????????

Confucius

Looks like the age-old "put up or shut up"/"If you dont like it then leave" sword is swaying over your head...

Welivehere

JD,

If you don't mind going can you get away with contract amendment and rate increase? Scoped / quoted as Emirates, Saudia out of scope so pay for it if you want me there.

Only issue with this way is if they say no you either have to back down and go or leave. But bearing in mind this is the message they seem to be sending, you might as well give it a go anyway. Don't ask don't get etc etc

Tough shout though....

Jammy_Dodgers

I suppose im pissed off that they fast tracked a saudi visa, got someone to fly my passport to the UK and back within 3-4 days, yet nothing for residency even though i have been pushing it daily for 6-7 weeks.

The problem being is the fact i have no res. essentially means im working here illegally. This also invalidates my life insurance and healthcare policy.
you think i wanna go work out in Riyadh with no healthcare or insurance....hmm

Blue Cat

jammy don't go, it aint worth it. See your line manager and tell him that you took the position here in the emirates and you are not prepared to go to saudi, if you had wanted to work in saudi you would already be there!!! yes you are working illegally here but you are not alone. Don't let them get away with it.

Norm_uk

I can help in the health and life insurance dept - visa or not.

But I wouldn't go to Saudi for love or money...I can barely tolerate this place sometimes!

IndieG

If you can try and postpone moving to Saudi, then you can look for another job in the UAE - given your specialisation (BCP for Banks?), I'm sure you will find something. Get in touch with Charterhouse(the name is Will Hauxwell) who specialises in Banking. Meanwhile let me ask around again.

The only problem may be your salary expectations.....

Jammy_Dodgers

What sort of range do the financial industry pay??

IndieG

BCP Manager - around 30k. But if you also have experience in Ops Risk Management including Basel II regulatory compliance and reporting, then it would be around 45k.

Jammy_Dodgers

Got some Ops risk, some IT risk.
No basel,most of my work follows ISO,BSI and FSA regs though

Is that base or inclusive of package?

IndieG

Unfotunately inclusive. But the bonus is pretty ok- add another 7k , takes it upto 50k all inclusive.