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Ministry
of Health
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| BENEFITS
OF WORKING IN SAUDI ARABIA |
| Tax-Free
Salary! |
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One of the most attractive aspects
of working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the tax
free salary. Salaries are paid without deduction for
any local taxes. This means that you are able to save
a major part of your salary. In addition to the base
salary, add such benefits as free accommodation, travel
allowance, medical cover and bonus schemes on completion
of contracts. Most expatriates are free from taxation
on this income by the authorities in their home countries.
However, one should confirm the details with a tax advisor
in his home country. The employment contract defines
the monthly salary in the local currency, which are
paid by check. The checks can be cashed at any bank.
Money can be exchanged and transferred to your home
account by telex or bank draft for a small fee.
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| Currency
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Most of the Gulf currencies are strong
currencies internationally and maintain a fairly constant
rate of exchange. Generally the US Dollar equals
3.75 SR(Saudi Riyal), 0.38 BHD(Bahraini Dinar),
0.29 KWD(Kuwaiti Dinar), 0.38 OMR(Omani Riyal), 3.64
QAR(Qatari Riyal) and 3.67 AED(UAE Dirham).
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| Annual
Leave |
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The usual allotment is 30 days vacation
and 10 holidays per contract year. Physician and upper
management positions usually get 40 plus days vacation
with to and fro air tickets to visit the home country.
However the vacation policy may vary in some specialised
hospitals in MOH.
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| Free
Accommodation |
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Furnished housing, including basic
cooking utensils, is provided free of charge near the
work site to all foreign employees. Washing and drying
facilities are also provided. If you are on single status
usually you share an apartment with one other person.
The housing complex is usually close to the work facilities
so that you can walk to work. If the provided housing
is not in the immediate vicinity of the work site, free
transportation is provided before and after each work
shift.
Free
recreation facilities such as swimming pools, gymnasiums,
tennis courts, recreation halls, cafeterias, grocery stores,
hair dressers and banks are
provided near the housing complexes.
Just about everything you need for daily living is in
easy reach and there are opportunities to socialize.These
facilities however, may differ by location etc. |
| Health
Care & Education |
| While
employed in Saudi Arabia, all employees and authorized
dependents are usually provided with necessary medical
and hospital facilities. Authorized dependent children
are sent to international schools operated in the country.
However, there are certain limitations on this benefit
regarding age and number of eligible children. |
| Travel
Opportunities |
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A
huge advantage when working in Saudi Arabia is the opportunity
to travel. With up to 40 days paid holidays per year,
the world is on your doorstep. Exciting holiday opportunities
are within even the smallest of budgets. You can enjoy
your holidays within the country or take a tour of the
exciting opportunities available within the Gulf and
beyond. There is an opportunity to travel to fascinating
destinations. Cruise the Mediterranean or the Nile river,
safari in Kenya, tour Istanbul or Cyprus. All are within
easy reach of the Gulf countries and well organized
group tours are plentiful. Already residing and working
in Saudi Arabia, it's easy and relatively inexpensive
to visit these attractions
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Some interesting holiday sites are
available within the Gulf countries, some of which can
be visited on the weekends. Examples are the ancient
Nebatian civilization at Medain Saleh, the old Hejaz
railway built by the Turks and the forces of the Sherif
of Makkah, the fantastic scenery at high elevation in
the Asir National Park in Saudi Arabia, Deira, Jebel
Ali and Jumeira Beach in U.A.E, some of the best scuba
diving reefs in the World and the glories of the desert
at many locations.
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