Working in Hail Saudi Arabia

[laurenjarrod]

Hi everyone,

I am an RN with 6 years ER/cardiac experience. On a whim one day I applied for a job with an agency that hires nurses for Saudi Arabia hospitals, specifically, the city of Hail. ( I never dreamed I would get the job!) I just had my second phone interview and and been extended an offer for a 1 year family contract ( I have a husband and 3 children.) I am getting cold feet now. Is this totally crazy for me to do? I mean I would be moving my entire family to a foreign country for 1 year. My husband said we should go. ( he has beeen unemployed for almost a year and cannot find work no matter what he does!) Has anyone had any experience with working in Hail? What are your thoughts? Is this a bad idea to do with children? I know alot of people who do travel nursing but they are either single or have no children or they are grown. Has anyone done this with school aged children and a baby ( 12 years, 9 years, 16 months) Also, what do I do with my house, car, etc. while I would be gone? I won't be selling them as I need somewhere to return to, etc. For those who own properties what do you do? Do youhave family check on your things?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[elara]

HI I'm from UK and considering Saudi, can someone let me know about families and accommodation please. My partner hates his job so he would do anything!!! I have a 18 month little girl there is no way I can leave them behind!! Anyone know any agency's or how we go as a family?

Thanks very much

[mistirdonat]

i just noticed that these places hire female nurses only. whats up with that?

[annacat]

Hi californianurse! Thanks for sharing. I recently found out that this is an option, am single with 0 dependents and it seems like a great way to make some money while seeing a part of the world that I have never seen!

I am wondering what the rules are on paying taxes on income made in Saudi on your US taxes. I can't imagine that Uncle Sam would let us remain citizens in good standing without paying him some taxes.

Let me know if you have any good websites or links regarding this issue.

Thanks!

annacat

[bebbercorn]

Annacat, there is a cutoff for foreign income before you have to pay taxes... it's been a while, but when I worked abroad it was 70,000. After which, you have to declare and pay... (I'd imagine most making over the cutoff aren't exactly honest with their earnings)...

[Leedeedee]

You will want to check what accommodation they'll be offering you. For a family you'll need them to arrange and supply a house on a Western Compound, or a hospital specific compound. Don't take an allowance in lieu because it can be difficult and take time to find your own place. You will not want to live outside a Western Compound, your life will be miserable. Also make sure they're paying for your children's schooling, it's not cheap. I assume this is a very senior nursing role, or you wouldn't be able to get a family contract, so don't be afraid to negotiate hard.

You'll probably want to get an idea of what offer to take on one of the expat forums like Britishexpats, also where to live etc. I've heard Jeddah is far more laid back than Riyadh (as far as Saudi goes) so that's something to consider too. As for your house in USA, rent it out, put your good furniture in the cheapest storage unit you can find, sell the rest that isn't worth paying to keep. If you can get everything together then go for it, 1 year is an adventure, it's not forever.

[Swan81]

Hello BonesRN,

I know this post is real old, but you mentioned you know a nurse who went to saudi with her family. Is there any way she can share info with me. I can provide an email if needed. Any insight would be appreciated. thank you!

[Naceo]

CalforniaNurse1974,

Thank you so much!you are an amazing girl. To be honest I have never seen anybody very generous to share all those information at that point like you. I Just browsed in google because I needed the same information for nurses working in soudi Arabia but I read all the answers you shared it is very honest obvious and very informative to anybody you who may need it. Thank you so much! oh my gush I like you you have a such beautiful personality who ever you are! Love you. don't be offended tho!