Job Discussion Forums

Tudor · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 339

Does your contract quote a specific amount which needs to be paid back? For example, some contracts will state that if you leave within 1-3 months you must pay 20 million, 4-6 months 15 million, 7-9 months 10 million etc. If it does then I'd say you don't have much choice but to pay. However, if it doesn't state exact figures then you have room to bargain with them. I suppose it depends how long is remaining on your contract and your reasons for leaving; they may be more sympathetic if you're going home to care for an ill relative than if you're jumping ship to work at one of their rivals.

The cost of the actual KITAS itself is minimal (200,000 maybe?), but it's the other associated costs which make it an expensive process for the schools. They have to pay $1200 'foreigner tax' upfront for the year, agent fees in both Indonesia and Singapore as well as paying for your visa run to Singapore. What's more, they may have had to 'grease a few palms' in order to get the KITAS as it's no secret that work permits are becoming harder to secure - for some schools anyway. Therefore, you can see why they want to recoup some of that initial outlay, but, having said that, 20 million does sound steep. Offer them half and see what they say! Good luck!

sushikurva · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 59 Location: out n' about

Tudor · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 339

You're welcome. Yes, 20 million does sound about right, but, at the same time, I don't think the teacher should have to take the entire hit. These schools know that there's always risks involved in hiring teachers from overseas and they should expect, on occasions when things don't work out, to lose a bit of money. I know some schools charge 10 million and then pro-rata it down as time goes on - that sounds a much more reasonable amount IMHO. Anyway, you say they're reasonable and you seem to be too, so hopefully you can come to an mutual arrangement which doesn't hurt either of you too much in the pocket!

mr fred · Joined: 30 Oct 2012 Posts: 62

KITAS - Rp700,000 +photo and prints (less than Rp100,000)
Work permit US$1,200

Remember agent fees