Is there any truth to what's being said on PPRUNE about 30 on/30 off rosters at EY?

Yes..They are offering it.

Is there any background info as to why they are offering this? Are they struggling to get Pilots, is there high turnover? Any other "perks" expected?

What's the fine print? What's the pay for the 30/30 roster? Housing still the same?

Certainly would be a lot more palatable than moving your entire family over to the Middle East for some people. Others might enjoy the cultural experience for the kids. Some nationalities might prefer moving to Abu Dahbi while others will want to avoid it due to family limitations. Regardless, if the OPTION is offered it could be a big talent differentiator for EY as they load up on new Boeing and Airbus heavies. EY and the other Gulf carriers will need more and more experienced pilots in the future - and retention of experienced pilots is key.

IMO, both EK and QR would become relatively less attractive to many experienced applicants if their HR policies remained the same. Will be interesting to see the final details.

Spoke to some friends at EY, it's half the pay, and you're offered a hotel while you're in base so no housing allowance.

The catch is, you have to be over 50 years old, 3 years with the company as captain. Not offered to FO's or captains under 50.

30/30 is nice, but not sure it's worth it at EY given that Chinese 30/30 contracts offer A LOT more money.

Having said that, I think this is only the tip of the iceberg.

UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi are getting MIGHTY expensive. Lots of Americans even in other industries are leaving or looking to leave. There was an article not long ago quoting an American expat (not in aviation) that it's getting far too expensive to stick around here for what's being offered pay-wise. Basically, everything (except pay of course) has gone up between 20-40% including housing and schooling costs. In essence, given the lower cost of living in the US, even after the foreign earned income tax breaks, it appears that one is better off back home.

Given how many pilots Middle East carriers will need over the next decade or so, I think they'll have to either up the pay, or get creative with rostering schemes if they are to sustain their growth.

EY questions
 

I've been invited for a February interview. I haven't yet spoken with a recruitment coordinator. Does anyone know when they arrange travel? Will I be brought over the day before or two days early...? Travelling from North America. Trying to arrange for days off.
Thanks.

Finnley I believe they contact you weeks before interview, perhaps even a little less. If you need more notice might be worth contacting them to explain your situation.

Any talk of staff travel perks being improved possibly to include travel after you leave?

I might be in Abu Dhabi some time in the next few weeks, I applied a couple months ago and never heard anything. RJ driver in the US with no boeing or airbus type. Does anyone know if it's possible or even encouraged to show up there and try to follow up or is that frowned upon?

Different culture. Don't bother showing up without an invite. You have to be on the "A" list to get beyond security.