Job Discussion Forums

CVN-76 · Joined: 28 Mar 2014 Posts: 171

It sounds like the NOC is but another way to control teachers. One can only imagine all the petty games that will be played because of this.

"Two of your students out of 200 didn't like you. No NOC for you."

"You posted something negative on Dave's ESL Cafe. Sorry, but we can not provide you with an NOC at this time."

I don't mean to sound negative, but TESOL jobs and the overall TESOL environment seem to have noticeably declined the past 10 years. Good jobs have become harder to find. Although the west has waded into an economic mess, turnover in this business is as high as ever. If teachers are still quitting in droves when there are fewer prospects back home, that tells us something. The NOC requirement is one more thing to tick us off, one more barrier that shouldn't be imposed on us.

MuscatGary · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 8:05 am Post subject:

I think CVN-76 has touched on an important point here. The employers can now treat their employees with even more disdain than before. 'What, you don't want to teach ten more hours? So leave and remember you can't come back for at least two years!"

pooroldedgar · Joined: 07 Oct 2010 Posts: 181

Pretty much all the motivation I needed to move on.

Before I came here last fall, I had heard all these great things about Oman -- about the people, the work environment, the hobbies. And I got here, and it's nothing like I was told. I really have nothing positive to say about my current situation, other than I don't have to pay taxes. I just kept telling myself "put in a year or two and you can move somewhere better." Now apparently that isn't the case. So I'm outta here.

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 8:54 am Post subject:

CVN-76 · Joined: 28 Mar 2014 Posts: 171

Hold on, a guys. It MAY help teachers. At least if those teachers are smart enough to know this will empower them more.

Scenario 1
Boss: "Starting today, you must teach 10 more hours a week. I know your contract says you will only have to teach 22 hours a week, but you're doing it. If you don't like it, you can leave. But remember, we won't give you an NOC, so you won't be allowed back to Oman for two years. At least."

Subservient, Naive Teacher: "Yes, master. Whatever you say, master."

Versus

Scenario 2
Boss: "Starting today, you must teach 10 more hours a week. I know your contract says you will only have to teach 22 hours a week, but you're doing it. If you don't like it, you can leave. But remember, we won't give you an NOC, so you won't be allowed back to Oman for two years. At least."

CVN-76: "No, I won't be teaching those extra hours. I am going to adhere to the contract, the one you used to draw me all the way over here from the USA. Go ahead and send me home. Good luck finding a new replacement, as a lot of those teachers you think will replace me are stuck in a 2-year holding pattern and can't come back here yet."

CVN-76 · Joined: 28 Mar 2014 Posts: 171

MuscatGary · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 9:22 am Post subject:

I envisage the quality of teachers coming here going down if they continue in this vein. The payrise for Omanis only was an insult and now this. Not to mention the ban on live music in most places, the closure of many of the drinking dens, the restriction on the issuing of family visas for at least six months.....

Gazoo1000 · Joined: 22 Apr 2012 Posts: 59 Location: There

Lets say someone left their job one year ago and wants to return in September.

Does this mean they need a new contract approved by the ministry before July 1, 2014 or does the NOC letter make it not so?

CVN-76 · Joined: 28 Mar 2014 Posts: 171

True. What is more....Labor costs will go up, as employers will need to increasae salaries in order to attract enough teachers to go to Oman. Many who will be frozen out for two years would work for 3000 USD a month, but others, teachers who aren't frozen out and who recognize the truth (they are in higher demand) will want 3500 USD. I know I will if and when I go to Oman. Whatever the salary offer is, I will ask for at least 10% more.

MuscatGary · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 9:26 am Post subject:

Tazz · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 512 Location: Jakarta

With regards to the new regulations discouraging people-I think the 'no issuance of family visa until after 6 months' will play a major part for any married teachers.....

CVN-76 · Joined: 28 Mar 2014 Posts: 171

Hopefully somebody in the Ministry of Manpower who has the power to make real decisions is reading this thread.

Chuma · Joined: 21 May 2013 Posts: 72

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 5:15 am Post subject:

Tazz · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 512 Location: Jakarta

The plot thickens day by day....yesterday I read that the MOM had decided to reinstate the NOC enabling people to change employers......today I read that there is a 'new clause' which means that the employer will forfeit the right to replace the person for whom they have issued the NOC !!!???