Thread regarding Saudi Aramco layoffs

"Actually lots of young Saudis unhappy too."

That's an excellent point. Wasta is more important than the ability to do a complex job well. As a former expat, I saw plenty of local talent passed over for promotion in favor of a person with the "right" family connections. Aramco's corrupt PMP process ki-ls any incentive for smart local guys and girls to gain the skills necessary to replace expats.

Replacing expensive expats with cheaper ones does nothing to solve Aramco's problems. Expats are still doing the work, they just less engaged and turn over quicker. While it might make the locals feel better about the pay discrepancy, it also leaves them with an expat labor pool that is less skilled, making it ever harder for Saudi's that might still be willing to learn.

The sad truth is that the Saudi government no longer views Aramco as anything but a cow to be milked. This attitude is taking a heavier and heavier toll on the company. At some point this neglect will catch up to them, but until then I can only imagine that things will get worse and worse.

Actually lots of young Saudis unhappy too. Not just expats, retention is very poor nowadays. More $$ in Riyadh.

What did they expect?: For you to continue onwards as a grateful peon, who faithfully serves his master and begs for crumbs…

Oh boo hoo. I’m a prisoner to the cash. Waah waah.

This site is a place to vent spleen and expose Aramco duplicitous behaviour.

Not everyone can just quit. People are prisoners to the cash, others have a target, some are stuck and have become part of the furniture...

Voicing an opinion is not weak, it’s a sign of strength. You sound like a Saudi with that kind of attitude.

You know they are sc-m. Yet you stay. And complain. Empty words.

To all Aramco expats. Su-k it up. You work for a corrupt organisation under a dictatorship regime. Or get out.

Staying and complaining is weak as fcuk.

Aramco PR goons are back…

A pay freeze is hardly akin to crust on a pizza. Get real. Pay freezes make a huge difference especially when compounded…with Aramco it buuggers the retention payments also. It’s a complete fckker. If promises broken then what does it say about the company and its integrity. Subhuman scuum.

Sounds like you are complaining about the crust on your pizza. Take it as a win! Obviously you're still there because it still benefits you financially. It's all about how much you put in your pocket wherever it comes from.

...youhave nothing to complain about if you make more than your lazy, untrained, and incompetent Saudi Manager or Supervisor....Aramco trolls are back I see!

If you have maxed out your pay grade then you shouldn't be complaining. If you are making more than your manager then you shouldn't be complaining.

Best of luck in polishing the old CV and going back to the real world and to a pay cut.

Thanks for all the responses.

So I will be stuck on this pay and grade forever. It will only get worse financially.

It may be big bucks but I was on big bucks in London, I only make a (large) tax saving here. Time to polish up the CV.

If you are at the top of your scale, well done. You are earning big bucks. Most companies cap have caps of pay scale increases. I was top of mine for a good few years. Always happy to see that big cheque every month and as someone else noted, don’t fret. Just enjoy the big earnings!

This is ARAMCOs way of saying expats no longer required as they move to 100% local staffing. Take notice.

@zog+1nxnMiSL

Is spot on. You’ll get a one off payment which will be peanuts as it won’t include the 60% non-base or any uplifts in end of service. Do your calcs in regard to the latter as it can make a huge negative difference as the freeze compounds -literally tens of thousands or worse if the same happens every year, which it will.

Best realistic bet is to try to get into a job family that has decent pay bands, not all roles are equal. This doesn’t require a promotion and might be easier to square with an antagonistic boss that doesn’t actually want you to leave (as he’d have to do real work.)

If you are at the top of your pay scale the % you would have received is given as a yearly once-off payment. They don’t add to your salary so they save on end of service lump pay calculation and other service benefits. I agree it’s demotivating, but the positive aspect is you are probably on the maximum of your grade code and you now know they are not even considering promoting you… This is your level for ever…

Honestly no point getting angry, nothing will change and you’ll just ruin your mental health. Bottom line is Aramco doesn’t give a sh•t about you or your health. You are their slave.
If you’ve had enough then just resign. Give them the proverbial🖕 and get on with your life. Best of luck with your choice.