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FAQs for New Employees
How and
when do I get paid?
A. Each
employee completes a time sheet daily. You record regular hours, overtime,
sick leave,
and time off each day. Time sheets are submitted to your supervisor near the
end of the month,
according to a schedule set by Finance and Accounting Division. Finance then
computes your pay,
and, depending upon your choices, deposits your funds into one or more of
your bank accounts or
provides you a check. Checks are placed in your regular mailbox no
later than the 5th of the month,
every month. Check cashing service is available at Camp Vinnell each
work day and on the ROC Compound on paydays.
I don’t like to carry a lot of cash—are ATMs available?
A. Yes,
ATMs are common and located along main roads and in shopping establishments.
As in the US, not every machine will accept your card, but many are linked
to popular networks from the US.
How do I take time off?
A. The employee requests vacation
time through his management chain using a Travel Request
and Authorization form. Employees earn 198 vacation hours each year, or 22
work days. You also
get Regular Days Off, which are normally Thursday and Friday of each week.
The company provides
nine paid holidays, which can normally be saved and used in conjunction with
vacation. Exit and
re-entry visas for leaving and returning to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are
provided at no cost.
How do I get to and from work?
A. The company provides vehicles,
based upon work requirements and availability. Most are
American-made SUVs or sedans. No one “owns” a vehicle, and some
employees share rides
to work as well as for off-duty travel.
What is the typical work day like?
A. The typical work day will
probably be unlike any you have experienced before. The work
day is nine hours, and is broken by meal and prayer breaks. You will interact
with employees
from up to 15 different nations while providing training and services to the
Saudi Arabian National Guard.
Will I be able to get my favorite foods, or will I be eating native
meals?
A. Just about any kind or style
of food is available in the Kingdom, except for prohibited
items like pork or alcohol. Restaurants ranging from Tony Roma’s, Applebee’s
(3), Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Hardees, Kentucky Fired Chicken, Pizza Hut,
Dominoes Pizza, Chilies, Fuddruckers McDonalds, and Starbucks (over 20), to
the finest dining establishments are available. Supermarkets have a wide range
of
western-style foods, plus more “exotic” fare from other parts
of the world. You should take
advantage of any opportunity to participate in a “Kapsa,” a traditional
Saudi-style meal.
How do I dress for off-duty time?
A. You should wear long trousers
and a shirt with a sleeve, though shorts are fine for
around the compound. Short sleeves are acceptable. T-shirts with obviously
western
slogans, images, or flags should be avoided when going of the compound. Clothing
that
is suggestive or advertises alcohol or other banned items should be avoided.
In Muslim
culture, men do not wear gold jewelry. You should not attract attention to
yourself.
Security
Is the
living compound secure?
A: The compounds, both the living
compound and work compounds are controlled access
facilities guarded by the Saudi Arabian National Guard. Access control to
the facilities is
supplemented by the company's Security and Safety Division personnel. Internal
security/force
protection is provided by physical security devices and a trained US security
force.
What is
the general security environment in Riyadh?
A: Environments by nature change.
Since 2004 incidents involving westerners have been rare.
However, you need to be aware that Saudi Arabia remains a dangerous part of
the world
due to the threat of terrorist attacks against Americans. Street crime is
generally not a problem
in Saudi Arabia. However, private Saudi citizens who perceive that a foreigner
is not observing
conservative standards of conduct may harass, pursue, or assault that person.
What are the conservative standards of conduct?
A: Islam pervades all aspects
of life in Saudi Arabia and is the official religion of the country.
Public display of non-Islamic religious articles such as crosses and Bibles
is not permitted.
The norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are very conservative. Religious
police,
known as Mutawwa, are charged with enforcing standards. Mutawwa are required
to carry
special identification and usually are accompanied by uniformed police. However,
in some
cases they have detained persons even without police presence. To ensure that
conservative
standards of conduct are observed, the Saudi religious police have confronted
or arrested foreigners,
including U.S. citizens, for improper dress or other alleged infractions,
such as consumption of
alcohol or association by a female with a male to whom she is not related.
Cultural awareness
training is provided during in-processing.
Is it safe to drive in Saudi Arabia?
A: You will encounter road conditions
that differ significantly from those in the United States.
During your in-processing you will be presented a driver orientation briefing
to brief you on the
driving here. Driving in Saudi Arabia can be a very hazardous and nerve-wracking
activity.
Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Saudi Arabia. Driving habits
are generally poor.
Driving in Saudi Arabia is much more of an adventurous undertaking than in
the United States
since Saudis drive considerably faster and more unpredictably than American
drivers. One must
learn to drive and make more effort to judge the intentions of other drivers
and pedestrians.
Am I allowed
to leave the camp and visit the city or must I remain
on the compound at all times?
A: Persons are free to visit
areas within Riyadh when they are off duty. Many go golfing,
hiking and horse riding for example.
Is it possible to have guests visit me where I will be living?
A: Yes.
The compound has a procedure to allow for guests to visit you during set periods.
Updated
security information can be found on the following web pages.
You are encouraged to visit these websites and review the listed messages:
US Embassy
Website:
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/citizen_services.html
Travel Warning
for Saudi Arabia, dated June 23, 2006.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_932.html/
Public Announcement:
Middle East and North Africa, dated November 20, 2006.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1165.html
Public Announcement:
Worldwide Caution, dated October 11, 2006.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
Consular Information Sheet for Saudi Arabia, dated November 3, 2006
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1012.html
