TL;DR: Legit-looking Admin job offer in Dammam (was HR role but Saudization). Decent benefits but negotiating salary. Worried about regional safety/deployments. First-time OFW – need your wisdom!
Hello everyone,
I'm reaching out for advice as this would be my first time working as an OFW. I've traveled to several countries before, but this is different. I recently received a job offer in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and I want to make an informed decision.
Background:
I applied for an HR Specialist role. During the interview, they explained that this position is typically reserved for Saudi locals, so they offered me an Admin position instead.
The company appears legitimate: official website, multiple people in the email thread (including higher-ups) have active LinkedIn profiles, some with Premium. I've cross-checked them and haven't found red flags. I'm aware of common job scams in the Middle East and have been receiving those too, so I've been extra cautious.
Benefits package:
• Housing provided
• Transportation
• Medical insurance
• 21 paid vacation days + 1 round-trip ticket to the Philippines per year
Salary is still under negotiation. It's higher than my current pay in the Philippines, but I've heard you should aim for 2-3x your local salary to make the move worthwhile (considering cost of living, savings, etc.).
The company plans to hire me directly, with no recruitment agency involved. I’m not sure if this is normal or legal for Filipinos going to Saudi, since I’ve mostly heard of people going through agencies. This is something I’m quite unsure about and would really appreciate clarification on.
More importantly, I’ve been reading news and posts saying that OFW deployment to Saudi Arabia may be restricted or affected due to regional tensions (Iran conflict, etc.), and that a lot of OFWs are being repatriated. This honestly worries me the most.
Questions:
• How safe is daily life/work in Dammam?
• Red flag ba yung role downgrade (HR → Admin)?
• Sulit ba salary if housing/transpo/insurance covered?
• Normal/legal ba direct hire (no agency)?
• Dapat ba akong mag-worry sa current tensions for OFWs?
• Any key tips for a first-time OFW in Saudi?
I would love your input on reasonable expectations for an Admin role in Dammam. I’d really appreciate any insights, especially from those with firsthand experience. Thank you so much!