Assalam U Alaikum,
Sorry for a very lengthy post. I am a Pakistani citizen currently living and working in South Africa. I have a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and my current job involves working in the field of engineering information technology. I have around 7 years of professional experience. My employer has a branch office in Al-Khobar and they have offered me a transfer to this office in Al-Khobar. I have a wife and three children (4 years, 2 years, and 10 months). My wife and I have no problems going to Saudi Arabia because we are muslims (Alhamdulillah). The problem is that I have no idea about the cost of living in Al-Khobar that includes living, food, clothes, children’s education, transportation and any other thing that is not coming to mind right now. I don’t have any friends and relatives in Saudi Arabia who could guide me. Though I am sure this topic might have been discussed several times but can you guys please help me making a decision if I should accept this offer or not. Below is a breakdown of all that they are offering to me. All the costs are based on per annum but will be paid on monthly basis.
- Base Salary = SAR 110,472.80 per annum
- Housing = SAR 32,067.00 per annum
- Transport Allowance = SAR 18,000.00 per annum
- Travel Subsidy for return flights to Pakistan once a year = SAR 12,262.00
- Group Life, Accidental dealth, and Disability cover
- Health Insurance (I am not sure if this covers only medical or medical and dental both)
- End-of-service award payment of 21 days (30 days after 5 years service) salary per completed calendar year of service (They say that only the base salary as provided here shall be computed as part of the Employee’s end-of-service award)
In addition, they are paying for our flights to Khobar at the time we leave, they are accomodating us free of cost for the first month in Khobar and also paying me two advance base salaries to buy household goods in the beginning.
I am simply not able to decide if or not this is a good offer keeping in view the usual expenses. I realize this also depends upon the life style so just to give you an idea that we have just a modest life style. The maximum entertainment we do is to eat out for two or three times in a month and take our children to places like theme parks and zoo etc. If you do the calculation based on the figures I have given above, how much you think will be paid to me per month after all the deductions? (I am asking this because I know there isn’t any tax but not sure if there are usually any other deductions from salaries in Saudi Arabia). If I would be able to save anything from this salary at the end of the month? If you think I am missing out anything here, please let me know about it. If you have any suggestions or anything you think I should discuss with my employer before I make a decision, please let me know about them as well. I’ll be grateful if you guys please advise me accordingly. Many thanks.
Junaid
9206 per mo average income is extremely excellent for you.. in fact, with all those other amenities, you will be able to save a lot..
this is excellent package, really.. There are many pakistani families living here, you will find friends easily (but dont let that stop you from making friends with the locals)
Also there are pakistan schools for your children as well as international school in english medium for a child of any nationality.
Yes, the worlds economy has effected us somewhat, but still our overall cost of living is still good somewhat, petrol for cars is still cheap, groceries are reasonable.. utilities are very low.. The only thing that might stab your wallet is your childs education tuition, thats the only thing me and my husband complain about, other than that, your salary is really excellent.. goodluck! and Welcome to Khobar.. its a nice city. small enough to be manageable, but large enough to have everything you need.. (and Bahrain is only 40 min drive to the east if you can get a chance to visit there)
I think it’s a decent package. You should be able to save money if you buy a used car and don’t spend too much money on extra things. Many families live on much less here.
86l, yuil, yjn r6tuh rth thr th th thth
You didn’t mention your current salary in South Africa.
I think your overall package is decent. There are minimal deductions (if any at all). However, if you have some room for negotiation, do ask for some more for the base salary (120-125K). IT is an in demand field and 7 years of experience counts for something.
Some might think I am being thankless here to advise you to see if you can ask for more.. I know people who make much less (60K ish with MS degree) .. but that doesn’t mean you should not negotiate. The salary at which you get hired initially makes a difference in the long run.
Summary: Very Good offer, you will save a lot. If possible, negotiate, If not, take it.