Frequently Asked Questions
SAUDI ARABIA
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 paycheck which will include from the your 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 in.
Uniforms are provided by the SOP/SRCA 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 short sleeve shirts (dark blue).
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 for paying. A paramedic license certificate fee is about $250.00 and if you have an advanced degree such as a Master, the fee is more. Registration is for 1, 3, and 5 years depending on your education level.
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.
How many holidays are observed?
As a paramedic you are given 30 days vacation time total. Government holidays are not observed by paramedics. You will work under the 4 days on/4 days off work schedule.
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.
SAUDI ARABIA
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. There are cable providers who will bring you the latest in Western entertainment, movies and TV shows.
Is there a venue for social activities and cultural events?
There are many functions at the various compounds and embassies. Registering with your embassy will allow you access to a network of events catered to you.
What are some situational pitfalls the average expatriates should be aware of there (e.g. language, clothing, etc)?
Unless you speak the Arabic language, communication 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, they are not required to cover their face or head. It is advisable for all ladies to wear a scarf when they go out, out of respect for the Islamic teachings and values which are enforced by the General Presidency of the Promotion of Virtue & Prevention of Vices (Government body responsible for public decency & conduct).
CONTRACT/WORK ISSUES
What if I wish to break my contract with SRCA?
Only the first party shall have the right to terminate this contract within the probationary period without notice, warning or claiming bonuses or compensation. Should the second party wish to terminate the contract within the first year he will be responsible for reimbursement of airfare and visa fees by SRCA before he may leave with return airfare payable by second party.
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 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 doctor'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.
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 agencies 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.
Is the salary negotiable?
Unfortunately not
Should I quit my current job? No, wait until you have the visa on your passport and ticket. It is important not to think that this is a mere formality.
Is the medical free (to include, dental and vision) and how are the facilities there?
Medical care is provided to all SRCA employees. 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 that will be included in the insurance provider handbook.
CONTRACT/WORK ISSUES
What are the shifts like?
12 hour shifts, rotating schedule, lots of trauma and diabetic calls.
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 does not tax your salary. There are no taxes applied within the Kingdom. You will have to abide by the tax laws of your home country.
Will there be a way to deposit my salary 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. From there you may be able to directly deposit your money into your personal account back home.
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 at SRCA a paramedic?
No. The SRCA employs medics, EMTs and physicians
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.) In terms of continuing education for the national or state license the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is accredited and you would have to register with them for some of the courses such as the American heart courses and PHTLS. The courses will count but there is nothing official here in the Kingdom. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority does not offer any continuing education so you would have to go through the National Guard.
CONTRACT/WORK ISSUES
What (if any) are the local protocols like?
The SRCA has its own BLS and ALS protocols.
What are the hospitals like?
The hospitals here are varied in levels of advancement. 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?
SCHS requires all applicants to have BLS course from American/Saudi HA. And no. We do not require any preparatory training or classes prior to your registration.
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.
OPERATING EQUIPMENT/WORK LOCATIONS
What type of aircraft does the SRCA operate?
Bell 412 and AW 139.
What is the total capacity on the aircraft?
Each aircraft has 2 stretchers and can carry up to 2 extra passengers.
What is the SRCA flight crew configuration?
The flight crew consists of Pilots, Co pilots, Doctors, and Flight Paramedics.
Where is the work location?
The work locations vary. There are Mini Bases and Main Bases. The Mini Bases are located on the highways and the Main Bases are located within the major cities. All flight crew who work in the Mini stations will be transported by SRCA official cars.
Are there any limitations enforced upon SRCA flight crew regarding body build?
All flight paramedics must not weigh more than 225 lbs. before he arrives. When he begins he must be at the goal weight of: 210lbs. Failure to do so will result in being placed as a ground paramedic.
ACCOMODATION
What is the SRCA accommodation?
The accommodation is the Brzeen Hotel located nearby the SOP offices. A semi-furnished apartment style hotel, it is located within short driving distance to restaurants and shopping centers. The hotel rooms do not however have a kitchen. There is room service and a buffet you can pay for. The gym is accessible to SRCA employee if they pay a membership fee. Please see the benefits section for photos of the hotel accommodation.
Is living in the SRCA accommodation free?
SRCA provides a hotel style apartment with single occupancy for the SOP/SRCA. 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 SOP/SRCA 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. Your housing allowance will be adjusted based on the duration of your stay in the SRCA provided accommodation.
Are there fitness facilities (e.g. gym, pool, etc.)?
The SRCA housing has gym facilities available for a fee to its employees but there are numerous affordable gyms throughout the city you may register with should you choose not to select the one at your SRCA housing.
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. It is suggested that you look into accommodations beforehand (pre-arrival) to see about availability and pricing so you may be able to work out your payment plan for your villa or compound. Most renters require that you pay the full year in advance. Some however have a waiting list so it is wise that when you are in the process of getting an offer to start ahead with the compound search or villa. You may register with a real estate agent who may find you a villa or apartment based on your preferences.
ACCOMODATION
Is there places to eat in the accommodation? Are there grocery stores, restaurants, etc?
The hotel has a buffet offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that you may pay for with an option for room service and therefore if you wish to have something else. A list of fast food restaurant phone 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 from the hotel. The hotel has a mini-fridge and it is suggested you buy non-perishable items or a hot plate for your room in order to cook some meals.
How much is the housing allowance?
Housing allowance is 3 month basic salary divided into 12 monthly payments, it will be included if you prefer to live out of the SRCA accommodation. Those of you who have children or are married and wish to have certain freedoms or amenities that the hotel accommodation SRCA lacks, should request this allowance immediately upon arrival (pending your finding of a compound or villa which requires you to search immediately) so that you may get the full amount. Your housing allowance will be deducted based on the amount of time you've stayed at the SRCA hotel accommodation.
TRAVEL/DOWNTIME
How/when can you take vacation?
The first 90 days you will be unable to travel while on probation. You must work a minimum of 3 months before taking accrued leave. Vacation time is accrued at a rate of X 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 those 4 days off, your free time is your own to do with as you please. But you have to give notice to the SRCA. Your iqama allows you to travel within the Kingdom since it will be your expat residency card. On your days off, it will be required that you seek your supervisors approval if you are heading outside the city limits due to the nature of your position, you must brace yourself for the possibility that you could be recalled to work if there are EMT's on vacation, sick, or an overwhelming number of emergencies.
Can you travel to neighboring countries with relative ease?
Upon approval from your supervisor and submitting the proper leave form (even if its on your time off) you may receive an entry / exit visa so you can travel where you wish in your off time. However the SRCA reserves the right to recall you in the event that there is a staff shortage or natural disaster. You must allow 3 weeks minimum for your request to be processed.
FAMILY MATTERS
What are our school options for our children in elementary school and in high school? What are the options for K-9 for expatriates in Riyadh?
- There are many schools here that teach the American curriculum, British curriculum, German Curriculum, Australian 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. 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, Germans, Australians, South Africans and as well as all other nationalities are as safe here in Saudi Arabia as they are in their 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 time frame (how long from now) for me and my family to relocate?
It is advisable for you to arrive in the Kingdom first and you must wait at least a minimum of 3 months (probationary period for new employees) 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. If your family does not seem like the type to want to live in a hotel furnished apartment, it is advisable that you find a compound or villa for them before you bring them over to Saudi Arabia.
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.
