Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Administration resources
Here is a list of magazines, books and websites that have caught my eye lately:
Professional Magazines:
OfficePro
This is a well-written professional magazine put out by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
Admin Advantage
This is also a very good professional magazine by Desk Demon based in the UK and the United States.
Websites:
45 Things by Workplace Columnist Anita Bruzzese
I love visiting Anita's blog. She is insightful and has witty and relevant articles about your career and workplace.
Admin Secret - "In the Know, Running the Show"
This is a new site for administrative professionals and is part of the Monster.com family. It is a fun site to visit, with interesting and relevant articles for the office worker.
Office Arrow - "For Office Professionals, By Office Professionals"
As the title states, this is a site created for and by office professionals and you can tell. The articles are very well written and are relevant to what we do every day. A must-visit site.
The Brazen Careerist - by Penelope Trunk
This can be an interesting site to visit. Sometimes it is more personal than work, but then work can be personal. It is a mixed bag of good information that can really hit the mark.
Books:
How Full is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life - by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton
Working Relationships: The Simple Truth About Getting Along with Friends and Foes at Work - by Bob Wall
I have commented on this book and recommended it often. It is a very good read with great tips and stategies for getting along with our co-workers.
Nuts, Bolts and Jolts - by Richard Moran
I get so many quotes from this book. It is filled with fun and serious quotes about work and business.
These are just a few of many. Check out the sidebar of the blog "My Blog List" for more interesting links.
If there are any good magazines, books and sites that you want to share, I'd love to hear about them.
Professional Magazines:
OfficePro
This is a well-written professional magazine put out by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
Admin Advantage
This is also a very good professional magazine by Desk Demon based in the UK and the United States.
Websites:
45 Things by Workplace Columnist Anita Bruzzese
I love visiting Anita's blog. She is insightful and has witty and relevant articles about your career and workplace.
Admin Secret - "In the Know, Running the Show"
This is a new site for administrative professionals and is part of the Monster.com family. It is a fun site to visit, with interesting and relevant articles for the office worker.
Office Arrow - "For Office Professionals, By Office Professionals"
As the title states, this is a site created for and by office professionals and you can tell. The articles are very well written and are relevant to what we do every day. A must-visit site.
The Brazen Careerist - by Penelope Trunk
This can be an interesting site to visit. Sometimes it is more personal than work, but then work can be personal. It is a mixed bag of good information that can really hit the mark.
Books:
How Full is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life - by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton
Working Relationships: The Simple Truth About Getting Along with Friends and Foes at Work - by Bob Wall
I have commented on this book and recommended it often. It is a very good read with great tips and stategies for getting along with our co-workers.
Nuts, Bolts and Jolts - by Richard Moran
I get so many quotes from this book. It is filled with fun and serious quotes about work and business.
These are just a few of many. Check out the sidebar of the blog "My Blog List" for more interesting links.
If there are any good magazines, books and sites that you want to share, I'd love to hear about them.
http://www.adminsecret.com/topics/124-is-it-all-right-to-ask-how-much-do-you-earn/posts
Nice Website for the office administration
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Outlook Inbox organize
Power Tips for
Organizing Your Outlook Inbox
Power Tips for Organizing
Your Outlook Inbox
Microsoft Outlook offers a wealth of Inbox management settings that you can use to
customize the appearance of the Inbox to suit your needs. This document gives you tips on
some ways to organize your Inbox, namely how to:
Group e-mail messages by thread and sort by date.
Color-code e-mail messages.
Format the font attributes of e-mail messages.
Create and formulate a new user-defined field.
Group e-mail messages by thread and sort by date
Grouping related e-mail messages together (that is, grouping them according to threads and
sorting them by date) makes an e-mail conversation easy to follow.
To group messages by thread and sort by date
1. Right-click the column header bar. This is the bar above your e-mail messages, with
the column headings From, Subject, and so on.
2. Click Group By Box on the shortcut menu.
3. Right-click the column header bar again.
4. Click Field Chooser on the shortcut menu. This displays the Field Chooser dialog
box.
5. Drag the Conversation field to the Group By box.
Now, see how the e-mail messages are grouped by conversation on a particular subject and
sorted in descending order based on date and time.
Note To undo, first display the Field Chooser dialog box as in steps 3 and 4. Then drag the
Conversation field from the Group By box back to the Field Chooser dialog box.
How quickly you should respond to an e-mail message often depends on who sent it and
who the e-mail message recipients are. For example, if the e-mail message is from your
manager and you are the sole recipient, more likely than not, you would need to respond to
it quickly.
You might also want to know at a glance, without actually opening an e-mail message,
whether you are the sole recipient or it was sent to a group of people. You can do this by
color-coding your e-mail messages. You can easily modify your Inbox view to display
color-coding by formatting the font color of your e-mail messages.
To color-code your messages
1. On the Tools menu, click Organize to display the Ways to Organize Inbox task
pane.
2. Click Using Colors.
3. Click an e-mail message in your Inbox, and you will find the name of the sender
displayed in the Color messages box. Or, you can type the name in the Color messages
box yourself.
4. Select a color from the list.
5. Click Apply Color.
6. To color-code e-mail messages sent to you only, select a color from the Show
messages sent only to me in list. Click Turn on to set the color. To undo, click Turn
off.
For example, you might set messages from Jay Adams to red, e-mail messages sent only to
you might be set to blue, and group e-mail messages might be set to black.
Note To undo or select another color, follow the previous steps and reselect your color
preferences.
Format font attributes
Responding to e-mail messages in a timely manner is critical to efficient communication.
One of the ways that can help you see quickly how long ago you received messages is by
formatting the font attributes of the e-mail messages in your Inbox.
To format the font attributes of messages
1. Right-click the column header bar.
2. Click Customize Current View on the shortcut menu. This displays the View
Summary dialog box.
3. Click Automatic Formatting. This displays the Automatic Formatting dialog box.
4. Click Add, and then click Condition. This displays the Filter dialog box.
5. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Field.
6. Point to Date/Time fields, and then click Received.
7. In the Condition list, click yesterday.
8. Click Add to List, and then click OK to close the Filter dialog box.
9. Back in the Automatic Formatting dialog box, click Font to apply formatting. This
displays the Font dialog box.
10. Select your font preferences, and then click OK.
11. In the Name box, type an appropriate name. Note that the exact name now appears
as one of the selections in the Rules for this view list.
12. Click OK.
Repeat these steps for each type of formatting you want. The e-mail messages that arrive
today are formatted to appear in normal font, yesterday's messages are in italic font, and
messages two or more days old are italicized and underlined.
Note To undo, follow the preceding steps and make your changes accordingly.
Create and formulate a new user-defined field
You can also add a custom column to your Inbox that shows the age of e-mail messages in
hours and days.
To show the age of e-mail in hours and days
1. Right-click the column header bar, and then click Field Chooser on the shortcut
menu.
2. Click New. This displays the New Field dialog box.
3. In the Type list, click Formula.
4. In the Formula box, type the following formula: DateDiff("h",[Received],Now())
5. Type a name for this formula in the Name box, such as E-mail Age, and then click
OK. Notice that back in the Field Chooser dialog box, User-defined fields in Inbox is
now displayed in the list, and the field that you just defined (E-mail Age) is shown
below it.
6. Drag the new field you just created to the column header bar, placing it next to the
column heading Received.
7. Notice that even though the new column has been added, it is not formatted properly
yet. To format it, right-click the column header bar.
8. On the shortcut menu, click Format Columns.
9. This displays the Format Columns dialog box. The field you created earlier, which
is E-mail Age, should be in the Available fields list. Click E-mail Age.
10. In the Formula box, type the following formula: DateDiff("h",[Received],Now())
& " hours ( " & DateDiff("d",[Received],Now()) & " day(s) ) old"
11. Click OK.
You can now quickly and easily see how old the e-mail messages in your Inbox are.
Note To undo, right-click the column header bar. Next, click Field Chooser on the shortcut
menu. Drag E-mail Age from the column header bar to the Field Chooser dialog box.
Organizing Your Outlook Inbox
Power Tips for Organizing
Your Outlook Inbox
Microsoft Outlook offers a wealth of Inbox management settings that you can use to
customize the appearance of the Inbox to suit your needs. This document gives you tips on
some ways to organize your Inbox, namely how to:
Group e-mail messages by thread and sort by date.
Color-code e-mail messages.
Format the font attributes of e-mail messages.
Create and formulate a new user-defined field.
Group e-mail messages by thread and sort by date
Grouping related e-mail messages together (that is, grouping them according to threads and
sorting them by date) makes an e-mail conversation easy to follow.
To group messages by thread and sort by date
1. Right-click the column header bar. This is the bar above your e-mail messages, with
the column headings From, Subject, and so on.
2. Click Group By Box on the shortcut menu.
3. Right-click the column header bar again.
4. Click Field Chooser on the shortcut menu. This displays the Field Chooser dialog
box.
5. Drag the Conversation field to the Group By box.
Now, see how the e-mail messages are grouped by conversation on a particular subject and
sorted in descending order based on date and time.
Note To undo, first display the Field Chooser dialog box as in steps 3 and 4. Then drag the
Conversation field from the Group By box back to the Field Chooser dialog box.
How quickly you should respond to an e-mail message often depends on who sent it and
who the e-mail message recipients are. For example, if the e-mail message is from your
manager and you are the sole recipient, more likely than not, you would need to respond to
it quickly.
You might also want to know at a glance, without actually opening an e-mail message,
whether you are the sole recipient or it was sent to a group of people. You can do this by
color-coding your e-mail messages. You can easily modify your Inbox view to display
color-coding by formatting the font color of your e-mail messages.
To color-code your messages
1. On the Tools menu, click Organize to display the Ways to Organize Inbox task
pane.
2. Click Using Colors.
3. Click an e-mail message in your Inbox, and you will find the name of the sender
displayed in the Color messages box. Or, you can type the name in the Color messages
box yourself.
4. Select a color from the list.
5. Click Apply Color.
6. To color-code e-mail messages sent to you only, select a color from the Show
messages sent only to me in list. Click Turn on to set the color. To undo, click Turn
off.
For example, you might set messages from Jay Adams to red, e-mail messages sent only to
you might be set to blue, and group e-mail messages might be set to black.
Note To undo or select another color, follow the previous steps and reselect your color
preferences.
Format font attributes
Responding to e-mail messages in a timely manner is critical to efficient communication.
One of the ways that can help you see quickly how long ago you received messages is by
formatting the font attributes of the e-mail messages in your Inbox.
To format the font attributes of messages
1. Right-click the column header bar.
2. Click Customize Current View on the shortcut menu. This displays the View
Summary dialog box.
3. Click Automatic Formatting. This displays the Automatic Formatting dialog box.
4. Click Add, and then click Condition. This displays the Filter dialog box.
5. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Field.
6. Point to Date/Time fields, and then click Received.
7. In the Condition list, click yesterday.
8. Click Add to List, and then click OK to close the Filter dialog box.
9. Back in the Automatic Formatting dialog box, click Font to apply formatting. This
displays the Font dialog box.
10. Select your font preferences, and then click OK.
11. In the Name box, type an appropriate name. Note that the exact name now appears
as one of the selections in the Rules for this view list.
12. Click OK.
Repeat these steps for each type of formatting you want. The e-mail messages that arrive
today are formatted to appear in normal font, yesterday's messages are in italic font, and
messages two or more days old are italicized and underlined.
Note To undo, follow the preceding steps and make your changes accordingly.
Create and formulate a new user-defined field
You can also add a custom column to your Inbox that shows the age of e-mail messages in
hours and days.
To show the age of e-mail in hours and days
1. Right-click the column header bar, and then click Field Chooser on the shortcut
menu.
2. Click New. This displays the New Field dialog box.
3. In the Type list, click Formula.
4. In the Formula box, type the following formula: DateDiff("h",[Received],Now())
5. Type a name for this formula in the Name box, such as E-mail Age, and then click
OK. Notice that back in the Field Chooser dialog box, User-defined fields in Inbox is
now displayed in the list, and the field that you just defined (E-mail Age) is shown
below it.
6. Drag the new field you just created to the column header bar, placing it next to the
column heading Received.
7. Notice that even though the new column has been added, it is not formatted properly
yet. To format it, right-click the column header bar.
8. On the shortcut menu, click Format Columns.
9. This displays the Format Columns dialog box. The field you created earlier, which
is E-mail Age, should be in the Available fields list. Click E-mail Age.
10. In the Formula box, type the following formula: DateDiff("h",[Received],Now())
& " hours ( " & DateDiff("d",[Received],Now()) & " day(s) ) old"
11. Click OK.
You can now quickly and easily see how old the e-mail messages in your Inbox are.
Note To undo, right-click the column header bar. Next, click Field Chooser on the shortcut
menu. Drag E-mail Age from the column header bar to the Field Chooser dialog box.
Managing someone else's inbox - tips?
In my previous employment, I handled my boss's email and one thing I learned right away: there is no easy way to avoid duplication and still keep your boss informed. Here is our system:
1- I did not EVER delete anything. If I had, there would have inevitably been those arguments about, "Where is this?" Instead, I just sorted stuff.
2 - We created three file folders:
1) Junk
2) Personal
2) News
This way, I could pull out items that fell in any of these three categories, leaving the inbox ONLY work-related material. This helped hugely. If this was all I did, it would have been enough to keep him sane when dealing with his inbox. About once a day, he would go through the filed email and empty the folders.
3 - When there was an item he wanted me to take care of, it was flagged a specific color. Once I had taken care of it, it was flagged a different color. Of course, to fully keep your boss in the loop, it's helpful to cc him on your follow up emails of items you are handling. Otherwise, if you don't do this, you need to be extra cautious about setting a specific time to "download" everything you've done and taken care of. If you don't, it's likely that, a week from now, your boss will come into your office in a panic wondering what happened with a specific issue. Avoid that momentary freak out and show him when and how you're doing things. If he decides he doesn't want to see the dup message, you can rethink the strategy.
FYI - If your boss travels a lot and uses a blackberry, the flag system won't work. Keep that in mind and be aware that you'll need to
adjust your system to account for that. My boss would just forward messages to my inbox when he wanted me to take care of things. It was a simple enough solution but, of course, another email in my own flooded inbox ;)
Good luck. I have to tell you that managing my boss's inbox and his calendar where the two most difficult and stressful tasks for me. It's not that it's hard, but everyone has a specific way that they want things done - and many executives are very particular. Try out different methods and see what works.
1- I did not EVER delete anything. If I had, there would have inevitably been those arguments about, "Where is this?" Instead, I just sorted stuff.
2 - We created three file folders:
1) Junk
2) Personal
2) News
This way, I could pull out items that fell in any of these three categories, leaving the inbox ONLY work-related material. This helped hugely. If this was all I did, it would have been enough to keep him sane when dealing with his inbox. About once a day, he would go through the filed email and empty the folders.
3 - When there was an item he wanted me to take care of, it was flagged a specific color. Once I had taken care of it, it was flagged a different color. Of course, to fully keep your boss in the loop, it's helpful to cc him on your follow up emails of items you are handling. Otherwise, if you don't do this, you need to be extra cautious about setting a specific time to "download" everything you've done and taken care of. If you don't, it's likely that, a week from now, your boss will come into your office in a panic wondering what happened with a specific issue. Avoid that momentary freak out and show him when and how you're doing things. If he decides he doesn't want to see the dup message, you can rethink the strategy.
FYI - If your boss travels a lot and uses a blackberry, the flag system won't work. Keep that in mind and be aware that you'll need to
adjust your system to account for that. My boss would just forward messages to my inbox when he wanted me to take care of things. It was a simple enough solution but, of course, another email in my own flooded inbox ;)
Good luck. I have to tell you that managing my boss's inbox and his calendar where the two most difficult and stressful tasks for me. It's not that it's hard, but everyone has a specific way that they want things done - and many executives are very particular. Try out different methods and see what works.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
"*I'm the Boss*!"
*The boss* was complaining in our staff meeting the other day that he wasn't
getting any respect.
The next day, he brought a small sign that
Read:
"*I'm the Boss*!"
He then taped it to his office door.
Later that day when he returned from lunch, he found that someone had taped
a note to the sign that said:
"*Your wife called, she wants her sign back*!"
getting any respect.
The next day, he brought a small sign that
Read:
"*I'm the Boss*!"
He then taped it to his office door.
Later that day when he returned from lunch, he found that someone had taped
a note to the sign that said:
"*Your wife called, she wants her sign back*!"
Sandwiches
Two attorneys went into a diner and ordered two drinks. Then they produced sandwiches from their briefcases and started to eat. The owner became quite concerned and marched over and told them, "You can't eat your own sandwiches in here!"
The attorneys looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders and then exchanged sandwiches
The attorneys looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders and then exchanged sandwiches
12 ways to get rid of Telemarketers!!
1. If they want to loan you money,
tell them you just filed for bankruptcy and
you could sure use some money.
Ask, "How long can I keep it?
Do I have to ever pay it back,
or is it like the other money I borrowed before my bankruptcy?"
2. If you get one of those pushy people who won't shut up,
just listen to their sales pitch.
When they try to close the sale,
tell them that you'll need to go get your credit card.
Then, just set the phone down and go do laundry,
shopping or whatever.
See how long that commission based scum waits
for you to get your credit card.
3. If they start out with, "How are you today?"
say, "Why do you want to know?"
Or you can say, "I'm so glad you asked,
because no one seems to care these days and
I have all these problems,
my sciatica is acting up,
my eyelashes are sore,
my dog just died...."
When they try to get back to the sales process,
just continue on with telling about your problems.
4. If the person says he's Joe Doe from the ABC Company,
ask him to spell his name,
then ask him to spell the company name,
then ask where it is located.
Continue asking personal questions or
questions about the company for as long as necessary.
5. This one works better if you are male:
Telemarketer: "Hi, my name is Julie and I'm with Dodger & Peck Services....
You: "Hang on a second."
(few seconds pause)
"Okay, (in a really husky voice) "what are you wearing?"
6. Crying out, in well-simulated tones of pleasure and surprise,
"Julie!! Is this really you?
I can't believe it! Julie, how have you BEEN?"
Hopefully, this will give Julie a few brief moments of terror
as she tries to figure out where the heck she could know you from.
7. Say, "No," over and over.
Be sure to vary the sound of each no,
and keep an even tempo even as they're trying to speak.
This is the most fun if you can keep going until they hang up.
8. If MCI calls trying to get you to sign up with their Family and Friends plan,
reply, in as sinister a voice as you can muster,
"I don't have any friends...would you be my friend?"
9. If they clean rugs: "Can you get blood out, you can?
Well, how about goat blood or HUMAN blood -
chicken blood too?"
10. Let the person go through their spiel, providing minimal but necessary feedback in the form of an occasional "Uh-huh, really, or, "That's fascinating."
Finally, when they ask you to buy, ask them to marry you. They get all flustered, but just tell them you couldn't give your credit card number to someone who's a complete stranger.
11. Tell them you work for the same company they work for.
Example: Telemarketer: "This is Bill from Widget & Associates."
You: "Widget & Associates!! Hey I work for them too.
Where are you calling from?"
Telemarketer: "Uh, Dallas, Texas."
You: "Great, they have a group there too?
How's business/the weather?
Too bad the company has a policy against selling to employees! Oh well, see ya."
12. Tell the Telemarketer you are busy and
if they will give you their phone number you will call them back.
If they say they are not allowed to give out their number,
then ask them for their home number and
tell them you will call them at home
(this is usually the most effective method of getting rid of Telemarketers).
If the person says,
"Well, I don't really want to get a call at home,"
say, "Yeah! Now you know how I feel." (smiling, of course...)
tell them you just filed for bankruptcy and
you could sure use some money.
Ask, "How long can I keep it?
Do I have to ever pay it back,
or is it like the other money I borrowed before my bankruptcy?"
2. If you get one of those pushy people who won't shut up,
just listen to their sales pitch.
When they try to close the sale,
tell them that you'll need to go get your credit card.
Then, just set the phone down and go do laundry,
shopping or whatever.
See how long that commission based scum waits
for you to get your credit card.
3. If they start out with, "How are you today?"
say, "Why do you want to know?"
Or you can say, "I'm so glad you asked,
because no one seems to care these days and
I have all these problems,
my sciatica is acting up,
my eyelashes are sore,
my dog just died...."
When they try to get back to the sales process,
just continue on with telling about your problems.
4. If the person says he's Joe Doe from the ABC Company,
ask him to spell his name,
then ask him to spell the company name,
then ask where it is located.
Continue asking personal questions or
questions about the company for as long as necessary.
5. This one works better if you are male:
Telemarketer: "Hi, my name is Julie and I'm with Dodger & Peck Services....
You: "Hang on a second."
(few seconds pause)
"Okay, (in a really husky voice) "what are you wearing?"
6. Crying out, in well-simulated tones of pleasure and surprise,
"Julie!! Is this really you?
I can't believe it! Julie, how have you BEEN?"
Hopefully, this will give Julie a few brief moments of terror
as she tries to figure out where the heck she could know you from.
7. Say, "No," over and over.
Be sure to vary the sound of each no,
and keep an even tempo even as they're trying to speak.
This is the most fun if you can keep going until they hang up.
8. If MCI calls trying to get you to sign up with their Family and Friends plan,
reply, in as sinister a voice as you can muster,
"I don't have any friends...would you be my friend?"
9. If they clean rugs: "Can you get blood out, you can?
Well, how about goat blood or HUMAN blood -
chicken blood too?"
10. Let the person go through their spiel, providing minimal but necessary feedback in the form of an occasional "Uh-huh, really, or, "That's fascinating."
Finally, when they ask you to buy, ask them to marry you. They get all flustered, but just tell them you couldn't give your credit card number to someone who's a complete stranger.
11. Tell them you work for the same company they work for.
Example: Telemarketer: "This is Bill from Widget & Associates."
You: "Widget & Associates!! Hey I work for them too.
Where are you calling from?"
Telemarketer: "Uh, Dallas, Texas."
You: "Great, they have a group there too?
How's business/the weather?
Too bad the company has a policy against selling to employees! Oh well, see ya."
12. Tell the Telemarketer you are busy and
if they will give you their phone number you will call them back.
If they say they are not allowed to give out their number,
then ask them for their home number and
tell them you will call them at home
(this is usually the most effective method of getting rid of Telemarketers).
If the person says,
"Well, I don't really want to get a call at home,"
say, "Yeah! Now you know how I feel." (smiling, of course...)
Tasty Roast Veal
Ingredients -3 Pound (about 1.5 KG) fillet of beef prepared by your butcher shop, tied with cooking thread. - Crushed Garlic -Chopped Parsley -Salt, Black Pepper and Allspice -Sliced Carrots -Sliced Onions -Cooking oil -Water Wash the beef, cut slits ½ inch deep in it. Mix the crushed garlic with the chopped parsley and stuff in the little slits you made in the beef fillet. Fry in hot oil from all sides. This step will keep the meat moist and juicy from the inside. Add sliced onions. Add slices carrots. Add your spices. Add water and let cook for at least 1.5 hours until the liquid is half way evaporated. Slice the fillet. Put back in the pot to keep it warm. Plate your meat and veggies and serve hot with mashed potatoes on the side. Slice into ¾ inch slices
Chinese Stir Fry with Beef
Chinese Stir Fry With Veggies And Beef Strips: Ingredients: Oil Garlic Onions Green Beans Carrots Cabbage Beef Strips Soy Sauce Beef Bullion Noodles Salt and Black Pepper to taste 1- Cut your vegetables 2- Heat up the oil 3- Add the garlic- Sauté for couple of minutes 4- Add the onions- mix and sauté with the garlic and oil until golden in color 5- Add the beef strips and cook until tender 6- Add your seasoning 7- Add the carrots- stir for few minutes 8- Add the green beans- Stir - Cover the pot and let cook for few more minutes 9- Add the cut cabbage- Stir- Cover the pot and let cook for few more minutes 10- Cover and let cook for few minutes 11- Add ¼ to ½ cup Soy sauce to the vegetables and beef 12- Add ¾ water- Cover and let cook for few more minutes 13- Remove the stir fried beef and vegetables reserving the liquid in the pot 14- Add beef bullion to the reserved liquid in the pot and dissolve 15- Add little water 16- Add the noodles and stir until it becomes soft- this takes around 3-4 minutes 17- Return your stir fry vegetables and beef to the pot and pour over the noodles 18- Serve hot and enjoy!
French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup -2-3 large onions - 3 Tbs Cooking oil- You may use Olive Oil or butter -Salt, Black Pepper - ½ tsp Dry Oregano -Beef Broth For Garnish: Toasted one slice French Bread Slice- You may use any kind of hearty bread Mozzarella or Gorgonzola cheese or any type of cheese that melts easy Dice your onions Add the oil or butter of your choice Sauté onions to a dark golden color Add beef broth Add your seasonings Let boil for few minutes then simmer for 20 minutes until all flavors blend together To serve, Pour the soup in an oven proof bowl, add the toasted slice of bread, add cheese on top and broil in the oven for few minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Enjoy!
Mixed Rice with dired fruits and walnuts
1 ½ cup rice 1 Medium diced onion 4 Tablespoons Cooking oil ½ cup dried apricots ¼ cup raisins-any color ½ cup walnuts Salt, Black Pepper, Allspice, Cardamom Water OR Broth Almonds for garnish -Wash and drain the rice - Slice the Apricots, wash and drain - Wash the Raisins and Walnuts. Drain - Sauté the onion in oil until it becomes golden in color - Add the rice; stir around to mix well with the onions and oil - Add the spices - Add the apricots, raisins and walnuts - Keep stirring to mix well and feel that water has evaporated from the rice mix - Add hot water, cook on high heat for few minutes, cover and continue cooking on low heat until the rice is fluffy and cooked - Garnish with almonds and serve hot. You may serve it next to green salad or plain yogurt.
Chocolate Covered Almonds
Chocolate Covered Almonds 1 pound milk chocolate 1 pound raw almonds with the skins Directions Fill a small pot a 1/3 way with hot tap water and bring to a boil over high heat. Break the chocolate into chunks and melt over low heat in the top of a double boiler, stirring frequently, slowly and constantly. When the chocolate melts, add the almonds and stir to cover . Line a tray with plastic wrap; you may use Parchment paper for better results. Spoon your chocolate and almond pieces on it. Freeze for 15 minutes then store them in the fridge for another 30. Peel off the paper and place in a platter or a box. Do not put on top of each other.
Crustless Apple Pie
This is a very simple Deep Dish Apple Pie recipe with NO bottom crust, only a layer of top crust that adds so much flavor, crunch and beauty to this desert. This quantity will serve four people, with second helpings! PIE FILLING INGREDIENTS: -8 sliced apples -Lemon Juice -1/2 c. sugar -1 teaspoon cinnamon -4 tablespoon butter -1/2 a cup raisins or/and walnuts (optional) TOP CRUST INGREDIENTS: -1/2 cup brown sugar -1 cup flour -1 teaspoon cinnamon -1/2 cup melted butter METHOD Peel and slice apples. I use whatever apples available. Add lemon juice as you slice the apples to prevent their discoloration. Mix sugar(brown, white or both) with Cinnamon, mix into the apples well. Add butter on top of the apple mix. Cover with Aluminum foil. Cook on the stove top covered for 35 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. DO NOT ADD ANY LIQUIDS such as water. Top crust : Mix melted butter and sugar. Add flour until the mix forms crumbs like consistency. Sprinkle your crumbly mix on top of the cooked apples. Broil the top for few minutes until it is browned nicely. Serve hot with Vanilla Ice Cream. Simply Delicious!!
Dates and Walnuts Cake
Date and walnuts cake ½ Cup oil 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon lemon zest 3 cups flour 2 teaspoons Baking Powder 2 teaspoons Baking Soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup milk ½ cup apple sauce. 1 cup pitted and cut up dates Heat up the oven to 200 degrees. Grease your cake pan with oil or shortening Mix eggs with vanilla and grated lemon zest. Add oil, apple sauce, milk, Mix sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add wet mix to the dry mix. Stir well. Add to the pan. Bake for 45-55 min. Check for doneness with toothpick until it comes out dry. Cool for one hour and then invert into a serving platter
Macaroni and Béchamel Sauce
Béchamel Sauce: Ingredients: - 1/3 Cup Flour - 4 Tablespoons Butter - 3 Cup Milk - Salt to taste - Sprinkle of Nutmeg Directions: 1. Cook flour until it becomes a golden color. This step gives the flour a nice nutty flavor 2. Add butter, melt over low heat flame and mix well with flour 3. Add the milk very gradually and blending thoroughly 4. Add salt and pepper to taste stir constantly to prevent the mixture from becoming lumpy until it reaches the desired thickness. You may add more milk depending on the consistency you are looking for. 5. Add the nutmeg Macaroni: - ½ KG Pasta of your choice - Boil according to cooking directions on the bag Meat and tomato sauce filling: -½ a pound ground beef -1 large diced onion -Cooking oil -1 teaspoon each of oregano and basil -Fresh parsley, optional -Salt, black pepper, allspice to taste Cooking directions: -Mix the cooked beef with tomato paste, hot water, add the herbs and cook for about 20 or until the sauce has cooked taste. -Add the meat sauce mix to the pasta -I usually microwave it for about ten minutes, to give it this cooked taste. Assembly of the dish: 1- In the baking pan, mix the half of the macaroni with 1 cup Béchamel Sauce 2- Add the mix of the tomato paste and the ground beef over the macaroni. 3- Keep on making layers of the macaroni, béchamel sauce and meat until you are done with them
Cheese Omlette
A simple recipe for this anytime food. Ingredients -4 eggs -2 tablespoon Oil -Salt and black pepper -3 slices of cheese Or grated cheese, any kind of your choice such as cheddar or mozzarella cheese -Crack an d mix the eggs adding salt and pepper to taste -Add to the hot pan with oil -Cook on one side -Flip and cook for a minute then add your cheese on top -Fold the omelette and cook for few seconds until the cheese is melted -Serve hot Note: you can get creative and add any kind of cheese, vegetables or meat to it. Enjoy
Spinach Stew
Vegetarian Spinach Stew easy recipe. Ingredients: - 3/4 Kilo fresh spinach OR 2 bags (14 OZ) of frozen spinach - One diced Onion -One can of whole chick peas - Salt and Balck Pepper to taste Rice with Vermicelli Noodles - 1 1/2 cups Egyptian rice or rice of your choice - 1/2 a cup vermicelli noodles - 5 TBS Oil -Sauté the diced onion until translucent -Add a can of Chick Peas with the liquid inside (Garbanzo beans) -Add the spinach, salt and black pepper-stir in the hot pot for few minutes -Add water about four cups let boil on high heat then lower the heat and let simmer for half an hour. Rice recipe with vermicelli noodles. -Add the vermicelli noodles to hot oil. -Toast until golden brown- it changes color very quickly so do not over toast it or burn it. Add the already washed , soaked and drained rice. Mix the noodles and the rice very well. Add salt. Add boiled water, about 1/3 of an inch above rice. Let boil, then lower the heat and cover. Simmer without stirring for about 15-20 minutes or until fluffy and done. To make the meal healthier, use cooking spray instead of cooking oil.
President, Prime Minister etc. Addresses
1. General Pervez Musharraf
President
President's Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 922 1422, 4768/ 920 1893 or 1835
E-mail: (please see: http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMessage.aspx)
2. Mr. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani
Prime minister of Pakistan
Prime Minister House
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: 92-51-9221596
Tel: +92-51-9206111
E-mail: webmaster@infopak.gov.pk
3. Mr. Raja Pervez Ashraf
Minister for Water and Power Federal Government
Block ‘A’ Pak Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Ph: 92-51-9212442
Fax: 92-51-9224825
E-mail: fminister@mowp.gov.pk
4. Mr. Jam Saifullah Dharejo
Minister Irrigation & Power,
Government of Sindh,
Building No. 1, Floor 4
Sindh Secretariat
Karachi, Sindh province
PAKISTAN
Ph: 92-51-9212442
Fax: 92-51-9224825
E-mail: minister.irrigation@sindh.gov.pk
5. Syed Anwar Haider
Relief Commissioner Sindh
Block 79, Board of Revenue
Sadar, Karachi
Sindh Province
PAKISTAN
Tel: +92 21 9202630
Fax: +92 21 4203407
6. Lt. Gen (Retd) Farooq Ahmad Khan
Chairman
National Disaster Management Authority and
Prime Minister Inspection Commission
Prime minister's Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Email: fakhan@ndma.gov.pk
7. Chief Justice of Sindh High Court
High Court Building
Saddar, Karachi
Sindh Province
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 21 9213220
E-mail: info@sindhhighcourt.gov.pk
8. Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan
Governor of Sindh province
Karachi
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 21 920 5043
Tel: +92 21 920 1201
9. Syed Qaim Ali Shah
Chief Minister House
Karachi
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 21 920 2000
10. Chief Secretary
Government of Sindh
Chief Secretariat,
Karachi, Sindh province,
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 21 9211946
Tel: +92 21 921950
E-mail: cs.sindh@sindh.gov.pk
11. Ms. Nadia Gabol
Minister for Human Rights
Government of Sindh,
Pakistan secretariat, Barrack 92,
Karachi
PAKISTAN
Tel: +92 21 9207043
Fax: +92 21 9207044
E-mail: lukshmil@yahoo.com
12. Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Jamot
District Nazim Matiari
Matriari District, Sindh
PAKISTAN
E-mail: nazim.mat@sindh.gov.pk
13. Mr. Baqaullah Unnar
District Coordination Officer DCO Matiari
Matriari District, Sindh
PAKISTAN
E-mail: dco.mat@sindh.gov.pk
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrchk.org)
President
President's Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 922 1422, 4768/ 920 1893 or 1835
E-mail: (please see: http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMessage.aspx)
2. Mr. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani
Prime minister of Pakistan
Prime Minister House
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: 92-51-9221596
Tel: +92-51-9206111
E-mail: webmaster@infopak.gov.pk
3. Mr. Raja Pervez Ashraf
Minister for Water and Power Federal Government
Block ‘A’ Pak Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Ph: 92-51-9212442
Fax: 92-51-9224825
E-mail: fminister@mowp.gov.pk
4. Mr. Jam Saifullah Dharejo
Minister Irrigation & Power,
Government of Sindh,
Building No. 1, Floor 4
Sindh Secretariat
Karachi, Sindh province
PAKISTAN
Ph: 92-51-9212442
Fax: 92-51-9224825
E-mail: minister.irrigation@sindh.gov.pk
5. Syed Anwar Haider
Relief Commissioner Sindh
Block 79, Board of Revenue
Sadar, Karachi
Sindh Province
PAKISTAN
Tel: +92 21 9202630
Fax: +92 21 4203407
6. Lt. Gen (Retd) Farooq Ahmad Khan
Chairman
National Disaster Management Authority and
Prime Minister Inspection Commission
Prime minister's Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Email: fakhan@ndma.gov.pk
7. Chief Justice of Sindh High Court
High Court Building
Saddar, Karachi
Sindh Province
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 21 9213220
E-mail: info@sindhhighcourt.gov.pk
8. Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan
Governor of Sindh province
Karachi
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 21 920 5043
Tel: +92 21 920 1201
9. Syed Qaim Ali Shah
Chief Minister House
Karachi
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 21 920 2000
10. Chief Secretary
Government of Sindh
Chief Secretariat,
Karachi, Sindh province,
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 21 9211946
Tel: +92 21 921950
E-mail: cs.sindh@sindh.gov.pk
11. Ms. Nadia Gabol
Minister for Human Rights
Government of Sindh,
Pakistan secretariat, Barrack 92,
Karachi
PAKISTAN
Tel: +92 21 9207043
Fax: +92 21 9207044
E-mail: lukshmil@yahoo.com
12. Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Jamot
District Nazim Matiari
Matriari District, Sindh
PAKISTAN
E-mail: nazim.mat@sindh.gov.pk
13. Mr. Baqaullah Unnar
District Coordination Officer DCO Matiari
Matriari District, Sindh
PAKISTAN
E-mail: dco.mat@sindh.gov.pk
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrchk.org)
Saudization
Ever wondered why there are so many expats in Saudi Arabia? Any potential job-seeker looking forward to working in Saudi Arabia must know this important information.
Despite its immense oil wealth, Saudi Arabia is still a developing country. Oil is still the major source of income, though there are several other non-oil industries too. But in terms of revenue, oil is still the Numero Uno cash cow for this country. The past 50 years has seen a dramatic and unbelievable jump in the economy of the kingdom. This has resulted in a huge demand for workers. The relatively lesser population of locals in the earlier years (this is now rapidly changing) resulted in Saudi Arabia throwing its doors open to expatriates to build their economy. You will find people from virtually every country in the world working in Saudi Arabia.
The sudden wealth and oil boom resulted in a very lavish lifestyle for the locals. The effect of this was the emergence of a new generation of Saudis, with a lot of money, but with inadequate expertise. With the population booming, the Saudi government had a problem of providing employment to its citizens. Naturally, the target was expatriates who were perceived to be taking away the jobs of the locals. Hence, the 'Saudization' program began, which literally means replacing the expatriates with Saudi nationals
The first focus was on government organizations, which have been almost 100% saudi-ized, barring a few low level positions. It has now become mandatory that companies in the private sector must also have a certain minimum number of Saudi nationals as their employees. The problem with this law (for the private sector) was not providing jobs to the locals, but not finding the right persons to do skilled jobs. Hence, all administrative staff are usually Saudi nationals, while all the technical work as well as the lower level positions like office staff, etc., are all still filled with expatriates.
The government jobs are already more than 99% Saudized, but still one could see quite a substantial number of expatriates working in government offices, particularly in lower levels. How is this possible? Well, the secret is that they are not government employees, but contractors. Many petrochemical industries follow this route because on paper they could show that they have achieved the Saudization quota, but in reality, the work is being done by contractors who are not directly on the rolls of the company . Sounds strange, isn't it? But that's the way things work here.
The bottom line is that if you have the right skills, if you are really efficient, then there is no reason for worry, because you will still have a job but only your employer would be a contractor.
Liked this post? Do drop in your comments. See you soon with some more practical tips and useful information.
Despite its immense oil wealth, Saudi Arabia is still a developing country. Oil is still the major source of income, though there are several other non-oil industries too. But in terms of revenue, oil is still the Numero Uno cash cow for this country. The past 50 years has seen a dramatic and unbelievable jump in the economy of the kingdom. This has resulted in a huge demand for workers. The relatively lesser population of locals in the earlier years (this is now rapidly changing) resulted in Saudi Arabia throwing its doors open to expatriates to build their economy. You will find people from virtually every country in the world working in Saudi Arabia.
The sudden wealth and oil boom resulted in a very lavish lifestyle for the locals. The effect of this was the emergence of a new generation of Saudis, with a lot of money, but with inadequate expertise. With the population booming, the Saudi government had a problem of providing employment to its citizens. Naturally, the target was expatriates who were perceived to be taking away the jobs of the locals. Hence, the 'Saudization' program began, which literally means replacing the expatriates with Saudi nationals
The first focus was on government organizations, which have been almost 100% saudi-ized, barring a few low level positions. It has now become mandatory that companies in the private sector must also have a certain minimum number of Saudi nationals as their employees. The problem with this law (for the private sector) was not providing jobs to the locals, but not finding the right persons to do skilled jobs. Hence, all administrative staff are usually Saudi nationals, while all the technical work as well as the lower level positions like office staff, etc., are all still filled with expatriates.
The government jobs are already more than 99% Saudized, but still one could see quite a substantial number of expatriates working in government offices, particularly in lower levels. How is this possible? Well, the secret is that they are not government employees, but contractors. Many petrochemical industries follow this route because on paper they could show that they have achieved the Saudization quota, but in reality, the work is being done by contractors who are not directly on the rolls of the company . Sounds strange, isn't it? But that's the way things work here.
The bottom line is that if you have the right skills, if you are really efficient, then there is no reason for worry, because you will still have a job but only your employer would be a contractor.
Liked this post? Do drop in your comments. See you soon with some more practical tips and useful information.
Different salaries, same job
A fundamental thing which a potential expatriate who wants a job in Saudi Arabia should know is the salary structure here. Please note that there are three different salary scales in almost all companies, depending on your nationality. The highest salaries are invariably for Saudi nationals. Next come citizens of the US, UK, South Africa, Australia and EU. The least salaries are for people from the Indian subcontinent and the Phillipines, collectively known here as "Eastern expatriates".
You may be quite surprised to learn that the job may be the same, but will find a guy from another nationality earning far less or far more than you. Also, you must be prepared, particularly if you are going to work in a government organization, that all higher level positions are invariably occupied by Saudi nationals. The only exception may be for the private sector, but here too the top boss will definitely be a Saudi national.
It is also quite common here that people with far lesser qualifications and experience may be your boss, but you should be mentally prepared for this too. Remember, as mentioned in my earlier post, if you are already in a senior position in your home country, you must definitely bargain your salary / position well and make things amply clear with your potential employer. Make sure to have all your emoluments / benefits in black and white in your contract, so that there is no heart-burn once you arrive in the kingdom.
You may be quite surprised to learn that the job may be the same, but will find a guy from another nationality earning far less or far more than you. Also, you must be prepared, particularly if you are going to work in a government organization, that all higher level positions are invariably occupied by Saudi nationals. The only exception may be for the private sector, but here too the top boss will definitely be a Saudi national.
It is also quite common here that people with far lesser qualifications and experience may be your boss, but you should be mentally prepared for this too. Remember, as mentioned in my earlier post, if you are already in a senior position in your home country, you must definitely bargain your salary / position well and make things amply clear with your potential employer. Make sure to have all your emoluments / benefits in black and white in your contract, so that there is no heart-burn once you arrive in the kingdom.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
More on visas
Due to the strict visa control by the Saudi government, it may not always be possible to get a work visa. An indirect way, though, would be to get a business visa. However, your sponsor must convince the government that this visa is for a specific project and your stay would be only for a short duration (typically 2 months or so). The problem with this kind of visa is that it is suitable only for short-term working, for example, a turnaround or shutdown job in an industry. You will not be able to bring your family with this visa as you would have come to carry out a specific business in the kingdom for a short duration only.
Some people try to come on a visit visa, but if you are caught working for a sponsor and you have come on a visit visa, then you are asking for trouble, because this is illegal. Also, unlike the UAE, it is a herculean task to get a visit visa converted into a work visa.
In short, if you want to work in Saudi Arabia and you are looking for long-term employment, make sure that you have a valid work visa and the correct profession mentioned in your visa. This would save you from a lot of hassle later.
Some people try to come on a visit visa, but if you are caught working for a sponsor and you have come on a visit visa, then you are asking for trouble, because this is illegal. Also, unlike the UAE, it is a herculean task to get a visit visa converted into a work visa.
In short, if you want to work in Saudi Arabia and you are looking for long-term employment, make sure that you have a valid work visa and the correct profession mentioned in your visa. This would save you from a lot of hassle later.
Types of visas
Types of visas
This perhaps is one of the most important things you should be aware of before you come to the kingdom. Every work visa is associated with a profession, eg., doctor, engineer, nurse, teacher, carpenter, etc. You must be absolutely sure about your job title mentioned in your visa. It will be in Arabic, so you will have to get the help of someone who knows Arabic fluently to know its "exact" meaning. Confused? Read on. Every sponsor is given some visas by the Saudi government. Unfortunately, the profession or the trade mentioned in the visa need not necessarily be the job you are supposed to do, though officially this is not the case. In 9 out of 10 cases, the sponsor just grabs whatever visa is available and brings expats into the kingdom on that particular visa. For example, let's say a sponsor has a visa for a plumber. However, he may not be needing a plumber but rather an engineer. Since he was given only a plumber visa by the government, he would try to bring the expat on whatever visa is available. However, the catch is that the expat coming into the kingdom, blissfully unaware of this, will be in deep trouble when he wants to bring his family. Only certain trades can bring their familieis. The Saudi government has decided that only those who can afford to bring their families should do so (which is right to a certain extent). Hence, a labourer / helper will not be eligible to bring his family, nor can he obtain a multiple exit/reentry visa (more about this later) for weekend trips to Bahrain. So, if an engineer comes to Saudi on a helper visa, it is impossible for him to bring his family, because on paper he is still a helper, no matter what his qualification or experience is There was this classic case of the principal of the Indian school, a Phd and with 25 years experience. Unfortunately, he could not bring his family to the kingdom as he was on a painter visa. Since on record he was a painter hence was not eligible to bring his family. Despite moving pillar to post, he was unsuccessful in getting his profession changed and finally had to quit his job in utter frustration and go back to his home country
This perhaps is one of the most important things you should be aware of before you come to the kingdom. Every work visa is associated with a profession, eg., doctor, engineer, nurse, teacher, carpenter, etc. You must be absolutely sure about your job title mentioned in your visa. It will be in Arabic, so you will have to get the help of someone who knows Arabic fluently to know its "exact" meaning. Confused? Read on. Every sponsor is given some visas by the Saudi government. Unfortunately, the profession or the trade mentioned in the visa need not necessarily be the job you are supposed to do, though officially this is not the case. In 9 out of 10 cases, the sponsor just grabs whatever visa is available and brings expats into the kingdom on that particular visa. For example, let's say a sponsor has a visa for a plumber. However, he may not be needing a plumber but rather an engineer. Since he was given only a plumber visa by the government, he would try to bring the expat on whatever visa is available. However, the catch is that the expat coming into the kingdom, blissfully unaware of this, will be in deep trouble when he wants to bring his family. Only certain trades can bring their familieis. The Saudi government has decided that only those who can afford to bring their families should do so (which is right to a certain extent). Hence, a labourer / helper will not be eligible to bring his family, nor can he obtain a multiple exit/reentry visa (more about this later) for weekend trips to Bahrain. So, if an engineer comes to Saudi on a helper visa, it is impossible for him to bring his family, because on paper he is still a helper, no matter what his qualification or experience is There was this classic case of the principal of the Indian school, a Phd and with 25 years experience. Unfortunately, he could not bring his family to the kingdom as he was on a painter visa. Since on record he was a painter hence was not eligible to bring his family. Despite moving pillar to post, he was unsuccessful in getting his profession changed and finally had to quit his job in utter frustration and go back to his home country
Your contract
Before you accept any job in Saudi Arabia, the fundamental thing is to read the contract very carefully. You must be absolutely clear who your sponsor is. Remember, one cannot work or even enter Saudi Arabia without a sponsor. A sponsor has to necessarily be a Saudi citizen who should have taken prior permission from his government to bring an expatriate for work inside the kingdom. The sponsor could be either an individual or a company. Knowing the background of your sponsor could save you from a lot of trouble, but if you do not have this information, you have to dig in a bit deeper.
Be absolutely sure that you would be working only for your sponsor. There are also cases of people coming in under a person's sponsorship by paying him a certain sum of money and then once inside the kingdom working for someone else. This is called "free-visa" in expat jargon, (i.e., once inside KSA you are "free" to work wherever you like) and if you are planning to do this, you are really asking for trouble. Please desist from any such moves.
Read and re-read your contract several times. This is the only document which is going to protect you. Now answer this simple questionnaire:
1. Are you going to pay for your air tickets to go to the kingdom?
2. Are you going to pay for your exit / reentry visa and iqama charges?
3. Are you going to bear all your medical expenses in the kingdom?
4. Is it clearly mentioned in your contract about your vacation (once a year, once in two years, etc.)
5. Is your local agent in your home country reputable? (Watch this blog for further information, if you are not so sure)
6. Has your compensation been clearly mentioned giving all the break-up (Basic, transportation, housing, education for the kids, medical, dental, paid vacation, etc.)
If your answer to any of the above questions is "No", then my friend, you better step back. Remember, your contract decides your future in the kingdom, so do not leave any scope for ambiguity. Get everything in WRITING, this is very important. DO NOT GO BY VERBAL ASSURANCES.
Be absolutely sure that you would be working only for your sponsor. There are also cases of people coming in under a person's sponsorship by paying him a certain sum of money and then once inside the kingdom working for someone else. This is called "free-visa" in expat jargon, (i.e., once inside KSA you are "free" to work wherever you like) and if you are planning to do this, you are really asking for trouble. Please desist from any such moves.
Read and re-read your contract several times. This is the only document which is going to protect you. Now answer this simple questionnaire:
1. Are you going to pay for your air tickets to go to the kingdom?
2. Are you going to pay for your exit / reentry visa and iqama charges?
3. Are you going to bear all your medical expenses in the kingdom?
4. Is it clearly mentioned in your contract about your vacation (once a year, once in two years, etc.)
5. Is your local agent in your home country reputable? (Watch this blog for further information, if you are not so sure)
6. Has your compensation been clearly mentioned giving all the break-up (Basic, transportation, housing, education for the kids, medical, dental, paid vacation, etc.)
If your answer to any of the above questions is "No", then my friend, you better step back. Remember, your contract decides your future in the kingdom, so do not leave any scope for ambiguity. Get everything in WRITING, this is very important. DO NOT GO BY VERBAL ASSURANCES.
Banks in Saudi Arabia
I had mentioned clearly in an earlier post on the fundamental reason why an expatriate is here in the first place. I would now like to elaborate on the Banking System in Saudi Arabia. Opening a bank account is not an easy process It requires the approval of your sponsor and an introduction letter from him. You will also have to submit copies of your residence permit (Iqama) and your passport which should have been attested by your sponsor Bigger companies usually transfer their salaries directly to the account, while smaller contracting companies make a cheque payment. Of course, there are also those rogue sponsors who don't pay their employees for months together but I will cover that in another post.
Banks in the kingdom do not pay any interest for the amount you keep in the account. Of course, they charge you a hefy interest if you take a loan from them. It's just that they don't call it as 'interest' but prefer to call it as 'Service Charge' This is all the more reason why you must keep a bare minimum amount as balance in your account. Typically, it should be equal to a one-way air fare back home for you and your family. Keep the rest of the money with you as cash, or better still, send it immediately back home.
If you have an account in a bank, you will normally be issued a debit card. Make sure that you NEVER EVER use the debit card issued by your bank in the ATM Teller Machine of another bank There are simply innumerable instances of expatriates being caught in unimaginable circumstances. If your ATM machine 'swallows' your card, or worse still debits from your account but does not issue any cash, at least the process of retrieving your card and money from your bank becomes a shade simpler if you had used your own bank's ATM. The settlement period is usually not less than 15 days
Before leaving on vacation, never ever use your ATM to withdraw cash. It would be safer to go to your bank, use a withdrawal slip and take your money. If your card gets stuck or your money is debited without issuing cash, you don't even have time to go and lodge a complaint with your bank, so be safe.
There are many remittance centers in Saudi Arabia. All of them charge a small premium as service charge, irrespective of the amount you send. There is no upper limit on the amount you can send, but for bigger amounts banks normally ask for a salary certificate from your sponsor. Before sending money home, enquire about the exchange rate in a couple of remittance centers. You would end up with a hole in your pocket if you go to a bank / remittance center which offers you a rock bottom rate.
To be on the safer side, try not to send too much money in one transaction. There are cases where it has taken more than a week for the money to reach home, even though you had sent it by "Express" service (:
Most big shopping outlets in the kingdom accept debit cards issued by local banks. If the transaction amount is big, please ensure that you have a copy of the transaction slip. Instances of your account being debited twice are not uncommon I may sound rather pessimistic, but I have to also be realistic! As long as things are going on smooth, there's no problem. The moment you have a problem, with some good luck it would get settled in a few week's time
The whole problem is that there is no ombudsman for the banks here and hence no accountability by the staff either. First of all you wouldn't know whom to complain to and you cannot fight for your rights. You don't have them anyway. In the unfortunate event of your money being debited twice, it becomes YOUR responsibility to prove that there has been only one transaction. It's no joke, it happened to me Luckily my bank credited the amount, but the ordeal I underwent before this was terrible.
I would also advise you not to take any credit card from any of the banks in the kingdom. It would be better to take an international credit card in your home country. You never know the fine print and courtesy is the last thing to expect from the staff, particularly from bigger banks.
Finally, ensure that dealings with your bank are a bare minimum. Typically, I would use them only as a transit point for my money before being sent home Afterall, the best day of the month is Pay Day!
Banks in the kingdom do not pay any interest for the amount you keep in the account. Of course, they charge you a hefy interest if you take a loan from them. It's just that they don't call it as 'interest' but prefer to call it as 'Service Charge' This is all the more reason why you must keep a bare minimum amount as balance in your account. Typically, it should be equal to a one-way air fare back home for you and your family. Keep the rest of the money with you as cash, or better still, send it immediately back home.
If you have an account in a bank, you will normally be issued a debit card. Make sure that you NEVER EVER use the debit card issued by your bank in the ATM Teller Machine of another bank There are simply innumerable instances of expatriates being caught in unimaginable circumstances. If your ATM machine 'swallows' your card, or worse still debits from your account but does not issue any cash, at least the process of retrieving your card and money from your bank becomes a shade simpler if you had used your own bank's ATM. The settlement period is usually not less than 15 days
Before leaving on vacation, never ever use your ATM to withdraw cash. It would be safer to go to your bank, use a withdrawal slip and take your money. If your card gets stuck or your money is debited without issuing cash, you don't even have time to go and lodge a complaint with your bank, so be safe.
There are many remittance centers in Saudi Arabia. All of them charge a small premium as service charge, irrespective of the amount you send. There is no upper limit on the amount you can send, but for bigger amounts banks normally ask for a salary certificate from your sponsor. Before sending money home, enquire about the exchange rate in a couple of remittance centers. You would end up with a hole in your pocket if you go to a bank / remittance center which offers you a rock bottom rate.
To be on the safer side, try not to send too much money in one transaction. There are cases where it has taken more than a week for the money to reach home, even though you had sent it by "Express" service (:
Most big shopping outlets in the kingdom accept debit cards issued by local banks. If the transaction amount is big, please ensure that you have a copy of the transaction slip. Instances of your account being debited twice are not uncommon I may sound rather pessimistic, but I have to also be realistic! As long as things are going on smooth, there's no problem. The moment you have a problem, with some good luck it would get settled in a few week's time
The whole problem is that there is no ombudsman for the banks here and hence no accountability by the staff either. First of all you wouldn't know whom to complain to and you cannot fight for your rights. You don't have them anyway. In the unfortunate event of your money being debited twice, it becomes YOUR responsibility to prove that there has been only one transaction. It's no joke, it happened to me Luckily my bank credited the amount, but the ordeal I underwent before this was terrible.
I would also advise you not to take any credit card from any of the banks in the kingdom. It would be better to take an international credit card in your home country. You never know the fine print and courtesy is the last thing to expect from the staff, particularly from bigger banks.
Finally, ensure that dealings with your bank are a bare minimum. Typically, I would use them only as a transit point for my money before being sent home Afterall, the best day of the month is Pay Day!
Schools in Saudi Arabia
One of the problems faced by expatriates working in Saudi Arabia is that of schooling for their children. Government-run schools in the kingdom are exclusively meant for Saudi and Arab children. The only option left for expatriates is to try in the so-called "International" schools.
Westerners usually prefer to educate their children in schools which follow either British or American system of education. School fees are quite expensive in such schools and I would advise you to include educational expenses for your children as part of your employment contract, or else it would put a big hole in your pocket.
Almost all of these "International" schools are co-educational, and are concentrated in bigger cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, Jubail, Al-Khobar, etc.
Non-westerners usually have their own national schools, each following the syllabus in their respective countries. The Ministry of Education monitors the running of these schools by having an observer for each of the community schools.
Primary education is not much of a problem here, but expatriates working in Saudi Arabia must take into account the risks of secondary education in the kingdom. Typically, as the child moves into higher classes, he or she moves away from the "real" world back home, in the sense that the competitive spirit required for higher education is almost absent. This could be quite a problem when the child returns home and faces competitive examinations.
There is also the problem of high turnover of qualified and experienced teachers from schools in Saudi Arabia. Almost all the female teachers in the kingdom are dependent on their husbands, i.e., they are not sponsored by their schools but are dependent exaptriate wives and so when the husband leaves the country, so does the teacher. This could be quite a pain, particularly for higher classes. You should not expect a high standard in the schools here as in your home country.
Getting admission into any of the private schools is quite easy. The usual custom in International schools in the kingdom when you join your child mid-way through the academic session, is to charge you from the beginning of the academic year, so please be prepared for this too.
Qualified and experienced teachers are quite scarce, and you must be prepared to shell out money for private tuitions, in case your children are in higher classes. Westerners usually charge on hourly basis while non-western teachers generally charge a monthly flat fee for private tuitions. In almost all cases, it is a one-to-one arrangement between the parent and the teacher. It would be worthwhile to bring the required books and CDs from your home country, as they may not always be available here all the time.
There is always a demand for qualified and experienced female teachers, but I would advise potential teachers to be choosy about the schools where they teach. The best way would be to enquire with fellow expatriates about the reputation of the school where they propose to join. Remember that cultural differences among different nationalities could sometimes be quite stressful for the teacher.
Finally, you as an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia must make a judicious decision considering all these factors.
Westerners usually prefer to educate their children in schools which follow either British or American system of education. School fees are quite expensive in such schools and I would advise you to include educational expenses for your children as part of your employment contract, or else it would put a big hole in your pocket.
Almost all of these "International" schools are co-educational, and are concentrated in bigger cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, Jubail, Al-Khobar, etc.
Non-westerners usually have their own national schools, each following the syllabus in their respective countries. The Ministry of Education monitors the running of these schools by having an observer for each of the community schools.
Primary education is not much of a problem here, but expatriates working in Saudi Arabia must take into account the risks of secondary education in the kingdom. Typically, as the child moves into higher classes, he or she moves away from the "real" world back home, in the sense that the competitive spirit required for higher education is almost absent. This could be quite a problem when the child returns home and faces competitive examinations.
There is also the problem of high turnover of qualified and experienced teachers from schools in Saudi Arabia. Almost all the female teachers in the kingdom are dependent on their husbands, i.e., they are not sponsored by their schools but are dependent exaptriate wives and so when the husband leaves the country, so does the teacher. This could be quite a pain, particularly for higher classes. You should not expect a high standard in the schools here as in your home country.
Getting admission into any of the private schools is quite easy. The usual custom in International schools in the kingdom when you join your child mid-way through the academic session, is to charge you from the beginning of the academic year, so please be prepared for this too.
Qualified and experienced teachers are quite scarce, and you must be prepared to shell out money for private tuitions, in case your children are in higher classes. Westerners usually charge on hourly basis while non-western teachers generally charge a monthly flat fee for private tuitions. In almost all cases, it is a one-to-one arrangement between the parent and the teacher. It would be worthwhile to bring the required books and CDs from your home country, as they may not always be available here all the time.
There is always a demand for qualified and experienced female teachers, but I would advise potential teachers to be choosy about the schools where they teach. The best way would be to enquire with fellow expatriates about the reputation of the school where they propose to join. Remember that cultural differences among different nationalities could sometimes be quite stressful for the teacher.
Finally, you as an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia must make a judicious decision considering all these factors.
Conversion of dates
Most of the expatriates working in Saudi Arabia get stuck with the problem of conversion from Islamic to Gregorian dates and vice versa. It is no exaggeration if I say that the wallet of an expatriate contains more paper than cash
Typically, the wallet of an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia contains his original residence permit (Iqama), company ID card, and if he has a car, the original driving license, car ownership card, car registration card (known locally as Istemara), insurance card for his car, medical insurance card (one each for himself and his family members) and probably lots of other stuff like pocket calendar, ATM card, credit card.....
The problem is not so much in carrying these documents, but in knowing which one expires when. All dealings with the Government are done only as per Islamic calendar, which usually has 11 days less than the Gregorian calendar. There are innumerable cases where people have lost flights, denied entry after vacation due to visa expiry, and a host of other problems all because they did not check the equivalent Gregorian dates
Probably the most alarming would be to drive your vehicle after expiry of your license or your car insurance, or even worse, without a valid iqama. The expatriates working in Saudi Arabia must also be fully aware about the validity of their iqama and their exit / reentry visas. Please always renew your documents on time
Please also note that when it is stamped as "One year" in your passport as the time for re-entry, it always means "One Islamic year" and not one Gregorian year. To be on the safer side, always deduct some 15 days from a Gregorian calendar to know approximately when your visa expires.
I have given in the link here a tool for converting from Islamic to Gregorian date and vice versa. I am sure this would help you overcome the problem of conversion of dates
Hope you liked this post. Your appreciation is my motivation to write, so please do let me know what you feel about this blog and the topics you want me to cover
Typically, the wallet of an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia contains his original residence permit (Iqama), company ID card, and if he has a car, the original driving license, car ownership card, car registration card (known locally as Istemara), insurance card for his car, medical insurance card (one each for himself and his family members) and probably lots of other stuff like pocket calendar, ATM card, credit card.....
The problem is not so much in carrying these documents, but in knowing which one expires when. All dealings with the Government are done only as per Islamic calendar, which usually has 11 days less than the Gregorian calendar. There are innumerable cases where people have lost flights, denied entry after vacation due to visa expiry, and a host of other problems all because they did not check the equivalent Gregorian dates
Probably the most alarming would be to drive your vehicle after expiry of your license or your car insurance, or even worse, without a valid iqama. The expatriates working in Saudi Arabia must also be fully aware about the validity of their iqama and their exit / reentry visas. Please always renew your documents on time
Please also note that when it is stamped as "One year" in your passport as the time for re-entry, it always means "One Islamic year" and not one Gregorian year. To be on the safer side, always deduct some 15 days from a Gregorian calendar to know approximately when your visa expires.
I have given in the link here a tool for converting from Islamic to Gregorian date and vice versa. I am sure this would help you overcome the problem of conversion of dates
Hope you liked this post. Your appreciation is my motivation to write, so please do let me know what you feel about this blog and the topics you want me to cover
Sending money from Saudi Arabia
Working in Saudi Arabia is a challenge, as all expatriates would agree. Being away from your home country is itself a big emotional pain But, as mentioned in this blog earlier, all that would be worth it when you get your pay check every month It would be no exaggeration to say that the happiest day for an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia is the day he sends money home
Sending money home is quite easy. There are several banks and exchange centers to choose from. But since money doesn't grow on the palm trees of Saudi Arabia, you have to choose carefully where from you send your hard-earned wage
Most expatriates working in Saudi Arabia prefer to use tele-transfer, which is known by various names depending on your bank. The commission charged by banks is slightly more (usually in the range of SR 25 for each transaction). A few others also prefer to purchase a Demand Draft, to be sent home via normal post. Of course, the bank charges in this case are far lesser. In any case, the bottom line is that you must have a bank account first to send your back home. But it is not necessary that you must send your money from the same bank where your account is
There is almost no restriction on the amount of money you send home. However, when it crosses SR10000, you will usually be asked to produce your salary certificate to the bank. This is usually a one-time verification process, i.e., you need not produce this every time you send money home. Also, if it is the first time you are sending money home from a particular bank or exchange center, you will be asked to submit a photocopy of your passport, with the official seal of your sponsor. This is a precaution to prevent money laundering.
A useful tip for you. Remember that the exchange rate varies every day and also between one exchange center / bank to the other within the same city It may only be a marginal difference, but when the amount you send is more, the difference cannot be ignored. In fact, it is usual for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia to find out from 2 or 3 banks or exchange centers the current exchange rate before choosing from the most attractive one
Sending money home is quite easy. There are several banks and exchange centers to choose from. But since money doesn't grow on the palm trees of Saudi Arabia, you have to choose carefully where from you send your hard-earned wage
Most expatriates working in Saudi Arabia prefer to use tele-transfer, which is known by various names depending on your bank. The commission charged by banks is slightly more (usually in the range of SR 25 for each transaction). A few others also prefer to purchase a Demand Draft, to be sent home via normal post. Of course, the bank charges in this case are far lesser. In any case, the bottom line is that you must have a bank account first to send your back home. But it is not necessary that you must send your money from the same bank where your account is
There is almost no restriction on the amount of money you send home. However, when it crosses SR10000, you will usually be asked to produce your salary certificate to the bank. This is usually a one-time verification process, i.e., you need not produce this every time you send money home. Also, if it is the first time you are sending money home from a particular bank or exchange center, you will be asked to submit a photocopy of your passport, with the official seal of your sponsor. This is a precaution to prevent money laundering.
A useful tip for you. Remember that the exchange rate varies every day and also between one exchange center / bank to the other within the same city It may only be a marginal difference, but when the amount you send is more, the difference cannot be ignored. In fact, it is usual for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia to find out from 2 or 3 banks or exchange centers the current exchange rate before choosing from the most attractive one
Bringing dependent parent into Saudi Arabia
I started this blog just as a hobby. However, at one point of time, work pressure and time constraints led me to stop writing. I have since been inundated with requests to keep blogging, which just proves how much scarce information is for potential expatriates planning to work in Saudi Arabia 8- So, I have decided to start writing again , although I would use discretion in answering questions from people.
One of the most popular posts in this blog seems to be that of bringing family on a visit visa to Saudi Arabia. I have been getting queries from people, particularly those planning to work in Saudi Arabia, whether it was possible to bring their dependent parents permanently to the kingdom. Answering this question could be quite tricky
First of all, you need to convince your own sponsor that your parent(s) are completely dependent on you and that you would like to bring them at your cost into the kingdom on a permanent visa. The problem is that there is an unwritten rule which defines "family" as simply one's wife / husband and children. This definition does not include brother / sister / parents even though they may be your blood relatives
Once your sponsor has no objection to bringing your dependent parent, it would have to follow the same route as how your spouse / children are brought into KSA normally.
Whether the application would be approved or not is a big question, and it all depends on the mood of the officer who is approving the visa. The likelihood of bringing your parents permanently, if at all, is more bright to bring one's mother rather than father on a permanent visa. The logic (?) behind this is that there is a strong suspicion that the dependent father may start working illegally! True, this logic may sound as absolute rubbish, but that's how the system is . As for bringing your dependent brother or sister, you can simply forget it.
Of course, it is much easier to bring one's parents on a visit visa. The procedure has been covered here earlier .
What I would advise the potential expatriate thinking of working in Saudi Arabia is to take into consideration all the above, before planning to relocate into the kingdom. Hope this post has been of some help to you.
One of the most popular posts in this blog seems to be that of bringing family on a visit visa to Saudi Arabia. I have been getting queries from people, particularly those planning to work in Saudi Arabia, whether it was possible to bring their dependent parents permanently to the kingdom. Answering this question could be quite tricky
First of all, you need to convince your own sponsor that your parent(s) are completely dependent on you and that you would like to bring them at your cost into the kingdom on a permanent visa. The problem is that there is an unwritten rule which defines "family" as simply one's wife / husband and children. This definition does not include brother / sister / parents even though they may be your blood relatives
Once your sponsor has no objection to bringing your dependent parent, it would have to follow the same route as how your spouse / children are brought into KSA normally.
Whether the application would be approved or not is a big question, and it all depends on the mood of the officer who is approving the visa. The likelihood of bringing your parents permanently, if at all, is more bright to bring one's mother rather than father on a permanent visa. The logic (?) behind this is that there is a strong suspicion that the dependent father may start working illegally! True, this logic may sound as absolute rubbish, but that's how the system is . As for bringing your dependent brother or sister, you can simply forget it.
Of course, it is much easier to bring one's parents on a visit visa. The procedure has been covered here earlier .
What I would advise the potential expatriate thinking of working in Saudi Arabia is to take into consideration all the above, before planning to relocate into the kingdom. Hope this post has been of some help to you.
Used cars in Saudi Arabia
Working in Saudi Arabia is a challenge, but driving in Saudi Arabia, as mentioned in my earlier post, is a bigger challenge! It is extremely difficult for an expatriate, particularly those with their families, to be without a car. Public transport is scarce in Saudi Arabia and taxis may not always be convenient or available when you need them :-(
Usually, expatriates prefer to buy used cars from other expatriates, particularly those who plan to stay for the short-term. This would be by either word of mouth or through advertisements placed in supermarkets or malls.
Of course, new cars are also available, but they don't come cheap. If you are going to pay for the car from your pocket, (i.e., not company-owned car), I would advise you to go in for a used one, preferably one that is less than 5 years old. With the current problem of traffic jams and parking space in cities, a smaller car would be preferable. Used cars can also be bought from auction yards, but since you may not always know the previous owner, it would be purely your luck if you get a good car. In any case, the procedure is the same.
The car has to be kept in custody of an "exhibition" ( a place where trading is normally done) for 24 hours. The owner of the exhibition is a government-registered broker to whom the buyer has to pay a commission as transaction charges. The broker transfers the ownership of the car from the previous owner to you, after the mandatory 24-hour lock-in period is over.
You would be given two cards. One is the ownership card which proves that you are the owner of the vehicle. The other is the registration card, called Istemara You must carry these two cards with you, along with your insurance card and original iqama, all the time. Believe me, the wallet of an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia has more paper than money /:-)
And by the way, if you didn't know, women are not allowed to drive cars in the kingdom and expatriates are not allowed to own pickup vehicles
Usually, expatriates prefer to buy used cars from other expatriates, particularly those who plan to stay for the short-term. This would be by either word of mouth or through advertisements placed in supermarkets or malls.
Of course, new cars are also available, but they don't come cheap. If you are going to pay for the car from your pocket, (i.e., not company-owned car), I would advise you to go in for a used one, preferably one that is less than 5 years old. With the current problem of traffic jams and parking space in cities, a smaller car would be preferable. Used cars can also be bought from auction yards, but since you may not always know the previous owner, it would be purely your luck if you get a good car. In any case, the procedure is the same.
The car has to be kept in custody of an "exhibition" ( a place where trading is normally done) for 24 hours. The owner of the exhibition is a government-registered broker to whom the buyer has to pay a commission as transaction charges. The broker transfers the ownership of the car from the previous owner to you, after the mandatory 24-hour lock-in period is over.
You would be given two cards. One is the ownership card which proves that you are the owner of the vehicle. The other is the registration card, called Istemara You must carry these two cards with you, along with your insurance card and original iqama, all the time. Believe me, the wallet of an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia has more paper than money /:-)
And by the way, if you didn't know, women are not allowed to drive cars in the kingdom and expatriates are not allowed to own pickup vehicles
Dealing with cops - Some tips
One of the most common problems of expatriates working in Saudi Arabia is dealing with the policemen, language being the biggest hurdle. If your vehicle ever meets with an accident, the first thing you should do is to stop the vehicle right there and get out of the car. Do not move the vehicle till a policeman arrives on the spot. Do not be bothered about the traffic behind you, i.e., even if the vehicle is bang in the middle of the road, you must just put on the hazard lights and stop the car right there. This is very important because if you try to move the vehicle to the side of the road, it would amount to tampering with evidence.
If you are taken to the police station, never sign any document unless the Government Relations Officer of your company arrives. This is important because all verbal and written communication would be in Arabic. If it is not practically possible, and the cop on duty forces you to sign some document, sign it but make sure that you write above your signature that you do not understand what is written above. Believe me, this would save you a lot of trouble later, as mentioned earlier.
With the current security situation, there are checkpoints in almost all major towns across the kingdom. As mentioned earlier in my blog, you must always make sure to carry your iqama, istemara, car insurance and your company ID with you all the time. At every checkpoint, make sure that you do the following. A word of caution - these are just tips, not official rules, and are based completely on my own experiences!
Completely roll down your car window; never mind if you lose the coolness and comfort of the ac. One of my friends did not roll down his windows and he was simply asked to park his car by the side of the road and made to wait for more than 30 minutes. Remember, the cop is standing in the hot sun and you must do nothing, absolutely nothing, which would irritate him
Switch off the music from your radio/CD player
Take out the ID in your hands and show it out of the open window. Some people have their IDs hung around their neck. Never make the mistake of showing the cop your ID in this fashion. Take it out of your neck and display it clearly by sticking your hand out of the window.
Never chew gum in front of the cop. Some of them consider it as an insult
If you are wearing sun goggles, remove them when you cross the checkpost
Never ever try to switch lanes. Murphy's law always works here and the other lane would always be faster than yours. But if you try to switch lanes in a checkpost, you had it!
Never talk to other passengers or in your mobile phone as you pass a checkpost
If a cop speaks something to you in Arabic, just give a friendly smile, apologize and say that you do not know Arabic. In nine out of ten cases, this works and he would simply let you go without bothering you much.
Remember that these cops are stressed out standing in the open and your actions must never ever irritate them at any point of time.
These are practical tips for expatriates planning to work in Saudi Arabia, which you wouldn't find in any official dossier. Hope they are of some help to you.
If you are taken to the police station, never sign any document unless the Government Relations Officer of your company arrives. This is important because all verbal and written communication would be in Arabic. If it is not practically possible, and the cop on duty forces you to sign some document, sign it but make sure that you write above your signature that you do not understand what is written above. Believe me, this would save you a lot of trouble later, as mentioned earlier.
With the current security situation, there are checkpoints in almost all major towns across the kingdom. As mentioned earlier in my blog, you must always make sure to carry your iqama, istemara, car insurance and your company ID with you all the time. At every checkpoint, make sure that you do the following. A word of caution - these are just tips, not official rules, and are based completely on my own experiences!
Completely roll down your car window; never mind if you lose the coolness and comfort of the ac. One of my friends did not roll down his windows and he was simply asked to park his car by the side of the road and made to wait for more than 30 minutes. Remember, the cop is standing in the hot sun and you must do nothing, absolutely nothing, which would irritate him
Switch off the music from your radio/CD player
Take out the ID in your hands and show it out of the open window. Some people have their IDs hung around their neck. Never make the mistake of showing the cop your ID in this fashion. Take it out of your neck and display it clearly by sticking your hand out of the window.
Never chew gum in front of the cop. Some of them consider it as an insult
If you are wearing sun goggles, remove them when you cross the checkpost
Never ever try to switch lanes. Murphy's law always works here and the other lane would always be faster than yours. But if you try to switch lanes in a checkpost, you had it!
Never talk to other passengers or in your mobile phone as you pass a checkpost
If a cop speaks something to you in Arabic, just give a friendly smile, apologize and say that you do not know Arabic. In nine out of ten cases, this works and he would simply let you go without bothering you much.
Remember that these cops are stressed out standing in the open and your actions must never ever irritate them at any point of time.
These are practical tips for expatriates planning to work in Saudi Arabia, which you wouldn't find in any official dossier. Hope they are of some help to you.
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