Just to have my say on the Oman situation. In the time since I signed my contract and now, the value of the package has devalued by some 40%. Predominantly, 30% in fact, is due to the pathetic US dollar. The other 10% is attributable to the increased cost of general living and the rental market, which shows no signs of slowing anytime soon.
This has a significant impact when one needs to send money back to repay mortgages and so forth. I have also noticed just how weak the Rial has become when traveling overseas. I was looking forward to traveling abroad on a strong currency for a change, damn! Hopefully exchange rates will return to those of when I originally signed and made my decision to come to Oman.
All of this means that I am only marginally better off compared to if I stayed at home, a far cry from what I signed up for. The experience is brilliant, but not good enough to keep me here long term the way things are at present. The exchange rate would not matter if DGCAM followed suit with other large companies in Oman and covered employees against the diminishing currency. They ensure their staff earn at least the same as when they sign on, providing complete financial security.
On that note, a junior manager at PDO earns almost twice that of what we do. I think we are being underpaid for the work we are doing. Also, the fact that there is no annual increase in salary without entering negotiations for it, and traffic is increasing in double figures year in year out, one has to ask the question, why are we accepting this?
If one has children, I would suggest considering Bahrain, as they still cover schooling and housing etc in the package. Oman schooling is simply too expensive. But then Bahrain from all accounts is not the ideal family location, although I can only comment based on colleagues who have worked there of recent times.
My advice is to think carefully. Do your maths, and when doing so, expect to save very little in the first 12 months if coming to Oman. If you can afford it, come and take a look first. It’s certainly not for everyone. The centre in itself is an eye opener! I’m hoping the new one isn’t far off. I also commend the few that endeavour to maintain and encourage a standard, but in all honesty there are no standards. Something that takes a fair bit of adjusting to when a high standard is what you are used to.
Staffing? Well interesting times ahead for ATC. The world wide shortage becomes more evident almost daily, and the Gulf region is no different. We are in demand. The employer with the best contract and conditions will be the one to woo the staff required. If only half of the initiatives in the Gulf are to be achieved and staffed, then many new controllers will be required over and above those already here. Those here will be required for sometime yet. We should be the ones dictating our pay and conditions, and not sitting around accepting mediocrity.