I left a good job to come here. Negotiated and got to an acceptable level (I thought).
Was subject to the usual negotiating tactics around lifestyle benefits and tax savings. Except the lifestyle benefit is a big fat lie. One can argue that not liking the camp is just a personal preference and cannot hold Armaco to account there. But, the health aspects of being here are hazardous (in my view) mainly due to air pollution, but also other things. I have been diagnosed with an allergy and put on meds due to the environment.
Any views of whether there’s a legal angle to this? As a poster said in another thread: ‘Aramco should literally have a health warning on all job ads.’
I couldn’t agree more. I have been brought here under false pretence and am seriously pi---d.
9 replies (most recent on top)
You never know. It might be his/her name!
OMG, Sue is not her/his name. LOL.
Sue. Assuming you stay (and you should to give it a chance), then I advise you to get a good quality air filter for your accommodation. SACO usually stock them. Get a good one ideally with a PM2.5 indicator. Ones using HEPA filters are best. I got one in SACO and it was reassuring to see my u door air quality as good or even better than back home in the country side. These machines really work well. Outside is usually fine. Just don’t go running etc in dusty weather. Sadly most of Middle East and much of Asia has poor air quality. Though so has London Oxford street at times. Download an air quality app like IQ Air Visual. That gives you local readings. Pollution there is a mix of dust from the desert and pollution by heavy industry in nearby Dammam, and cars and trucks. But don’t let it get to you. If you have perfect air inside where u spend most of your time, you are fine. Likewise offices are generally ok with air quality. I brought my monitor in to office and air was ok. Hope it works out for you. Give it a decent chance. There are lots of positives once you settle in and get a good network of friends.
Legal angle? Seriously dude!
Maybe you should consider moving back to Ohio.
Thanks for the replies
In the past, I believe Aramco managed to succeed in the US courts because of sovereign immunity when it was DeFacto Government owned, but now it has shareholders (granted mostly Government) and pseudo-private it will be interesting to see if they can claim that defense in the US courts. Whatever you decide to do, good luck.
I hope you're thinking about suing in the US. Otherwise forget it and focus on starting your exit plan.
In kingdom, no, In the US, off course.
There is no rule of law in Saudi Arabia. Their legal system is a facade. You have zero chance of any legal recourse against Aramco. Don’t even contemplate it.
If you make any such noises while in Kingdom, it’s a sure way to getting fired and deported asap.
There have been several precedents that Aramco likes to cover up: Those poor people that had their daughter r_aped in the camp were treated disgustingly by Aramco ( the alleged assistant was a local). Those 10 expats that died in the fire in 2015 in the camp (owing to local negligence ignoring expat safety warnings ), also treated like pieces of dirt.
Aramco will never admit it’s wrong and it’s local management will never admit any kind of perceived weakness. It’s the culture.
Your best option is to leave at a time of your own choosing. Plan your exit. By all means vent online and inform others, but get out before you get even more sick.