Information that everyone needs to know about Dubai. Please read before posting. - Page 8

ecla · #71 (**permalink**) 17th January 2009, 11:20 AM

thank you

i will let you guys know when i am learning so you can keep yourselves off the road - for the dangerous factor

adrianh · #72 (**permalink**) 31st January 2009, 02:28 PM

-[/QUOTE]

Hi Elphaba,

Hope you are well not been on for a while, hi to all the regular posters think you do a great job. The above is very good and useful information. However i have mentioned this before returned cheques this is a very serious matter i would ask that you add this to your advice. Given whats happened recently with the job cuts in Dubai. If people have issued PDC cheques for rent etc and now cant cover them they will be in serious trouble, i know a couple of people who have in fact been arrested for such offences through no real fault of their own. If you find yourself in this position i would suggest you contact the landlord immediatley and ask if they will postpone presenting the cheque.

My advice would be get your employer to issue PDC cheques on your behalf in the companies name.

I am sure a lot of expats are not aware of this or how serious it can be. One returned cheque arressted, jailed and deported the Dubai dream over as you will not be allowed to return.

BR
Adrianh

smita · #73 (**permalink**) 6th February 2009, 10:07 PM

Hi!

I just got offered a job in Dubai for a one year contract, and have a few questions.

1. I've been hearing that companies like to keep passports of their expatriot employees... is that true?
2. Do you know if there are major penalties for breaking the 1 year contract?
3. Do I need to negotiate anything else in my contract other than medical and vacation? The company will not be covering accommodations, all of that is my responsibility. They will offer medical insurance and 14 days vacation. Is there anything else that I should think about or consider?

Thanks!

#74 (**permalink**) 7th February 2009, 12:35 AM

Would you be taking any children with you? The experienced ones on this forum seem to nominate accommodation and school fees as two of the biggest expenses.

Ogri750 · #75 (**permalink**) 7th February 2009, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smita

Hi!

I just got offered a job in Dubai for a one year contract, and have a few questions.

1. I've been hearing that companies like to keep passports of their expatriot employees... is that true? The company has no right to hold onto your passport. It is sometimes the case, especially with the manual workforce, that the company will retain the passport to stop them absconding.
2. Do you know if there are major penalties for breaking the 1 year contract? If you have a limited contract ( one with a definitive date) and don't complete the time, you will definitely recive a labour ban
3. Do I need to negotiate anything else in my contract other than medical and vacation? The company will not be covering accommodations, all of that is my responsibility. They will offer medical insurance and 14 days vacation. Is there anything else that I should think about or consider? 14 days is very low for annual leave, you should make sure that return flights are included, also try to get some rental allowance included.
Thanks!

Hope this helps

smita · #76 (**permalink**) 7th February 2009, 09:53 PM

The offer if from Du Telecom, so its not a manual work force. It's good to know that that is just a rumor. Also about the labor ban, what does that mean?

I thought 14 days was low, but I don't think they are going to negotiate on that. i can take unpaid vacation as I want, but they will only pay for 14 days. I've sent them a list of questions which asks about rental allowances, but as of now they are not offering any.

I do not have any children, so it will be just me, with my husband and visiting every so often. He will remain in the US.

webjunky · #77 (**permalink**) 11th February 2009, 12:51 AM

the only thing i would add is medical/health insurance. this is often forgotten in the negotiation process but can be a killer expense. housing, school fees and insurance are main ones.

gaya · #78 (**permalink**) 14th February 2009, 03:29 PM

dear frenz...

regarding the accommodation... i would like to add in some info here.
i just found a very good studio apartment, for a very reasonable rate:

Oud Mehta Building, this is a brand new apartment building, behind the movenpick hotel (centre of the city), comes with gym n sauna n pool.
studio aparmtns are on very reasonable rates, but i think 2 room apartments are on the higher end.
i got mine for 61K per annum. There also smaller studios for about 56K per annum

those interested can go to the apartment for viewing, the security guard will bring u around. Or email to gaya3.nathan@gmail.com, i will give u the real estate's number, dnt hv it with me now.

gd luck.

RobHindmarsh · #79 (**permalink**) 15th February 2009, 07:42 AM

lol my wife will go mental when i tell her i have to give her permission to work but i am going to milk the fun for a little.
Thanks for the advice its good info to be thinking about!!!

Ogri750 · #80 (**permalink**) 15th February 2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobHindmarsh

lol my wife will go mental when i tell her i have to give her permission to work but i am going to milk the fun for a little.
Thanks for the advice its good info to be thinking about!!!

If you sponsor her, wait until she finds out that she has to have your permission to drive too