Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are the letters needed from previous employers?
A notarized letter from your past employers stating dates of employment and position held. If you have worked in the Middle East / Saudi Arabia, a letter of no objection will be required from your past employer.
Will you send physical exam paperwork for me to bring to the Dr.'s office?
Yes, the official medical report will be included in your packet.
What blood work is needed?
That info will be included in the medical report.
What are our school options for our 17 year old son who is a junior in high school? What are the K-9 for expatriates in Riyadh? We have a two year old son also.
- There are many schools here that teach the American curriculum, British curriculum, and many others.
- Many compounds have nursery schools / day care centers that accept children from outside. Domestic help (nannies) is another option.
What arrangements are made for expatriates and their families if the area becomes "unsafe" like in 2003-2004?
All expats are advised to register with their respective embassies. accommodationowned by the SRCA will be guarded by the Saudi National Guard or armed forces from the ministry. The safety of our expats and families is top priority. If things become unsafe, the SRCA will cooperate with all embassies in ensuring the safety of international staff. In the event that the accommodation is not available, housing allowance will be given.
Americans as well as all other nationalities are as safe here in Saudi Arabia as we are in our home countries. Currently the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is safe and its security forces have maintained a high level of commitment to rooting out any form of threats or violence against the expat community.
What is the name of the SRCA accommodation? I've been trying to look some up on the internet?
Please see the benefits section for photos of the hotel accommodation.
Do you have information about the retirement program? 401K, pension
Unfortunately the government retirement system is for Saudi nationals only. Many expats take the money they would normally pay in taxes and contribute it to their own retirement funds.
Life insurance, medical insurance outside of the Kingdom?
You can buy any type of insurance you require from agents in the Kingdom. The SRCA does not provide any care to individuals outside the KSA.
What is the work schedule?
48 hours a week. Currently the paramedics are working 4 on 4 off. This may vary due to operational demands.
What is the time frame (how long from now) for me and my family to relocate?
The earlier the better, we are trying to speed the process up so approximately .It is advisable for you to arrive in the Kingdom first and wait at least minimum of 6 months before you relocate your family with you. This will allow you to spend the first couple of months looking for housing (compound or renting a villa/apartment), furnishings, establishing a bank account, getting their visa paperwork finished, and finding the right schools for your children and starting the registration process with them. Currently the only available housing is the Brzeen hotel provided by SRCA.
Please….DO NOT QUIT YOUR CURRENT JOB UNTIL YOU HAVE A VISA IN YOUR HAND!!!!!
Is the salary negotiable?
Unfortunately not.
What do I need to do to prepare myself before I arrive in Saudi Arabia?
Be prepared to bring some money with you as it will take 3 to 5 weeks to process your papers and establish a bank account. Arrange to make sure any upcoming bills for the next month are covered. Once that is completed you will be issued your first pay which will include all time from the first day of arrival. Following that, your monthly salary will be deposited directly into your local bank account. Other employees are suggesting that you have access to at least $1000.00 USD for things you might want to purchase and activities that you may wish to participate.
Uniforms are provided by the project but may not be immediately available upon your arrival due to size, shape, availability. Bring at least 2 pair of EMS pants (Dark Blue or Black) and 2 shorts sleeve shirts (need color specific).
You are required by law to be licensed to practice as a paramedic within the Kingdom. As at home, you are required to ensure that you maintain your license. There is an initial registration fee which you are responsible. A certificate paramedic license fee is about $250.00 and if you have an advanced degree such as a Master's, the fee is more. Registration is for 1, 3, and 5 years depending on your education level.
Is the medical free (to include, dental and vision) and how are the facilities there?
Medical care is provided to all SRCA employees and their families.
But it does not include vision or dental as previously mentioned in the benefits section.
There are plenty of clinics and hospitals of every description to choose from. I'm confident you will find one to your liking.
How are expatriates treated there? Is it relatively safe?
It is very safe. Expats are a welcomed part of the community in Saudi Arabia and should not expect to be treated any differently.
What are the shifts like?
12 hour shifts, rotating schedule, lots of trauma and diabetic calls.
Is living in the SRCA accommodation free?
SRCA provides a hotel style apartment with single occupancy for the project. That housing is covered in your contract and there is no cost to you. Our advice if you plan to have your family join you is to first come to the Kingdom as a single, complete your processing, investigate your options for housing in the area and consider your other needs such as school, etc. Once you find a housing situation that you like, you can apply for a housing allowance from the project to assist you with your rent. Keep in mind that just as at home, there are very expensive units and very cheap ones. Depending on what level of lifestyle you need, you may need to add to the housing allowance if you are wanting to live at a country club style housing unit.
Are there fitness facilities (ie gym, pool, etc.)?
The SRCA housing has no gym facilities available to its employees but there are numerous affordable gyms throughout the city you may register with.
What type of calls do they usually run?
the majority of your care is geared to multiple trauma patients and cardiovascular problems.
Do you have to work in the country a year before the salary is tax exempt?
Saudi arabia your any does not tax our salary. You will have to abide by the tax laws of your home country. As for the USA, you basically will have to spend 330 full 24 hour days out of the USA for your income to be exempt up to $87000. All countries will have different rules…I would advise you to check with a tax professional regarding your unique situation.
Will there be a way to deposit said monies into my personal account?
All employees will need to open a bank account here in the bank of their choice. Your salary will be direct deposited every month.
What are the other options for salary deposit (off shore account, other)?
The only option is to deposit into a local bank. You can then transfer it anywhere you choose.
if you wish to send or receive money from a person immediately there are Western Union's located throughout the area.
How are the crews set up?
Currently the ambulances run BLS crews. The medics are paired with a Saudi EMT and they respond as ALS backup to the BLS crews. There are approximately 20 ambulance stations scattered through out the city of Riyadh.
Is everyone paramedics?
No. The SRCA employs medics, EMTs and physicians.
How much is it to live off accommodation?
Compounds and villas will vary in prices. There is a list of their numbers available upon request.
How much is the housing allowance?
Housing allowance is 3 months basic salary divided into 12 monthly payments, it will be included if you preffer to live out of the SRCA accommodation.
How/when can you take vacation?
You must work a minimum of 6 months before taking accrued leave. Vacation time is accrued at a rate of approximately 2.5 days a month. Travel expenses for vacation taken at any time other than end of contract will be at your own expense.
Is it possible to travel to other parts of Saudi Arabia during time off?
Absolutely. As long as you have a valid entry / exit visa your free time is your own to do with as you please, But you have to give notice to the SRCA.
Can you travel to neighboring countries with relative ease?
If you purchase a multiple entry / exit visa you can travel where you wish in your off time.
How does one keep up with continuing education (for certifications)-is there a CE program in place?
There currently is not a CE program in place. I would advise that you subscribe to one of the online services such as Rapid CE. There will be classes offered through out the year (ACLS, PHTLS, etc.)
What (if any) are the local protocols like?
Protocols are still being addressed at this time.
What are the hospitals like?
The hospitals here vary. Most are very up to date with equipment and standards you expect at home. Others are less advanced.
Is there any preliminary training for this job?-If so, where?
No. We do not require any preparatory training or classes.
Is there places to eat in the accommodation? Are there grocery stores, restaurants, etc?
Yes, You will be having 3 free meals a day . The meals provided are basic meals and therefore if you wish to have something else a list of fast food numbers that deliver is available upon request. It's also recommended that you visit the local supermarket to pick up some food that you could prepare if you do not wish to eat the meals that are being prepared for you. The hotel is currently trying to open the restaurant they have but there is no timetable as to when it will be ready.
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How many holidays are observed?
There will be approximately 15 days each year that are observed as holidays.
How is mail set up there? -Can I receive personal mail/packages there?
Saudi Post is the mail system here. All mail is delivered to PO boxes. Carriers such as FedEx and DHL do deliver here.
What is television like?
You can get most of the shows you watch at home as well as many from other countries, Depending on where your staying it would be advisable to subscribe to a cable provider in order to get the channels you prefer.
Are there movie theaters?
Not in Saudi Arabia. You will have to settle for a DVD at home.
Is there a venue to perform comedy? ( I do stand up)
There are many functions at the various compounds and embassies. I'm sure you will find something to your liking. Comedy, concerts, plays, classes, parties, etc.
What are some situational pitfalls the average expatriates should be aware of there (ie language, clothing, etc)?
Unless you speak Arabic language will be a struggle sometimes. Many people speak English to some degree so it is usually possible to get your idea across or find someone to interpret for you. As a male, you are only required to dress modestly (No tank tops or shorts) when in public. Females are a different story. When the ladies appear in public it is advisable for them to wear an abaya. As westerners, we are not required to cover our face or head. It is advisable for all ladies to carry a scarf with them when they go out. This is in case the Mutawa (religious police) ask that they cover their hair out of respect for prayer time.
Can my spouse/family member work while in Saudi?
No. The Saudi Labor Law prohibits dependants working. They will be in the Kingdom on a family visa….not a work visa.
Do all my certifications count towards my base pay?
No. Your salary is calculated based on your educational level and years of experience….additional certifications unfortunately do not mean additional money.
