Oz or Kiwi going to Saudi?

[groper]

I hear that if you are an Australian or Kiwi and plan to recruit through Australia to work for British Waste-O-Space in Saudi Arabia, your contract salary and allowances will be about 15-20% less in Pound Sterling value than those (Americans, Canadians, South Africans etc. as well as Brits) recruited through the UK to do the same job. Why? Well they have to get profits from somewhere, so why not through a bit of old fashioned discrimination courtesy of the fall in the A$? The salaries are still attractive but………..

It seems the best fix is to dust off that British passport, or get one, and try recruitment through the UK. I believe the only difference is that Australians would have to become non-residents for tax if the UK path is successful but, for 20% more folding stuff, it’s probably well worth it.

However, don’t be surprised if BWOS baulk at such attempts.
<img src="frown.gif" border="0">

[Booger]

Can anyone firm up the figures that Groper is referring to? With the fairly high numbers of RAF serving in various exchanges in the RAAF I'm surprised that it hasn't been raised as an issue before. On that basis - just what is the going rate for Hawk/PC9 instructors?

Does BWOS set the base pay in pounds sterling and adjust accordingly for the exchange rate at the time, or as groper suggests is their true motive to minimise expenses with the Antipodean criminal element?

Perhaps it's some form of punishment for the Aussies consistently walloping the English at cricket?!?? :)

[groper]

I believe salaries (including allowances) for QFIs are around about the GBP65000 per year mark for anyone recruited through the UK arm of BWOS. However, those recruited through Australia (and it has included some Brits who transferred to the RAAF and took up residency in Australia) are paid in OZ dollars but not at the going exchange rate. I hear the Australian recruited guys are paid at a rate equivalent to about 1 Pound Sterling = A$2.35 whereas the average exchange rate for the last 12 month has been closer to 1 Pound Sterling = A$2.80 or more. Of course the customer is paying the same regardless of what nationality is filling the spot in the desert.

My spies tell me that the thrashings at cricket and football will continue until this is sorted out.

[Stan Evil]

The Aussies only have themselves to blame. Back in the 90s the Aussies campaigned to have their salaries decoupled from Sterling as, at the time, the pound was falling and so they thought they were losing out. They struck a deal to be paid in dollars to stabilize their income. For some time that then meant they got more than the Brits and so it's roundabouts and swings really.

[groper]

...........and of course the newbies should pay for the sins of the fathers. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[Ali Barber]

We have had a few Oz here on contract, but they have not stayed for long. I don't know the exact details, but it's something along the lines of having to still pay tax in Oz to maintain some sort of mortgage relief? Have a close look at the tax requirements as an Oz citizen if you want to hang on to your passport.

[Booger]

Methinks we need to hear from the experts - any Aussies currently in the sandpit care to shed some light on the OZ tax issue <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[donpizmeov]

Oz tax is not a problem as you are a non-resident for tax purposes. Check out the <a href="http://www.ato.gov.au" target="_blank">www.ato.gov.au</a> for the details. Yes you can still negitive gear any investment at home, and any income at home will be taxed at the marginal rate, however, salary is tax free.
If you are happy flying trainers, it would seem like a good deal.
don

[groper]

I believe if you're an Aussie employed thru BWOS Australia the salary is "tax exempt" under a special ATO clause. If hired through BWOS UK one would have to become a non-resident for tax to enjoy the tax free salary. It's a simple process and has little effect. Kiwis though have to become non residents for tax in NZ in either case according to my info.

[bakseetblatherer]

On the idea of gaining UK citizenship- the rules have been tightened. New Britain is now not very PC in that your father only can pass citizenship, not your good old Mum. (which could cause problems in the case of father unknown- no not me!). I got my UK passport about 10 years ago when my blighty born mother was acceptable (Kiwi Dad); but today I would be out of luck and, as things have turned out, lacking a FJ cockpit to sit in!