29 August 2016
TAIF: A number of universities have reportedly resorted to hiring part-time Saudi staff with higher degrees, using the pay-by-hour system to avoid permanent employment.

This practice was started after some Saudi universities were criticized for recruiting non-Saudi teachers and ignoring the nationalization plan, local media reported on Sunday.

An academic working for a university, said Saudis hired without a contract can be sacked any time, and have to work according to a schedule that has been prepared by the university. "He doesn't have any idea about the financial reward, which is determined by the contractors; payments are sometimes delayed and paid at the end of the semester."

He said that as a part-time professor, he is prevented from attending college and department meetings and he is provided with information through the foreign contractor.

"The norms are often ignored and part-time lecturers are met with impossible terms if they seek a permanent job. They are often convinced to continue working as part timers and threatened with dismissal at any time."

He said that students know the lecturer is a part time staff, which means he is a third grade employee, and is often subjected to complaints as well as academic blackmail, such as increasing the grades of students and approving the use of books written by some faculty members to be taught to the students.

"Part-time lecturers have no right to ask for leave under any circumstances or any other benefits," he added.

© Arab News 2016