Job Discussion Forums

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Yes this is at IPA.

Yes I would agree that having to get someone to sign off for you is a pain...more an inconvenience.

However, it is not such a terrible hardship for me, but of course those types that feel they need to leave the country every weekend would probably not like it.

Also like I said before...there has not been any runners at IPA cause its basically a good place to work so there is no need to run. Teachers that don't like it are still responsible and fullfill their contract and then leave.

Jeez, I would hardly think that such an obligation would consitute doing a runner, thankfully the people that work at IPA have stronger work ethics.

All the same, for the sake of long term teacher retention, it would be nice if the admin could get over their trust issues with employees, but that is the way it is like it or leave it.
I chose to stay because... all things considered...IPA is still a decent place to work... given the dodgey types of employment in KSA one reads about.

johnslat · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 12:14 am Post subject:

Dear cmp45,
It wasn't that way when I started with the IPA in 1980. As I recall, the "Guarantee" was begun sometimes in the early 90s. In fact, now that I think on it, I actually wrote the first "Guarantee Form" (in English.)
The IPA had gotten burned once too often - as usual, a few f*ck ups can make life more difficult for all the rest.
Regards,
John

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

One possible solution would be to drop the request to sign off after say 3 years, that way there is less prbability of someone doing a runner, if the person is able to stay that long..

Again, I don't understand why anyone would feel the need to do a runner from IPA, unless the said person was mentally unstable - weak minded and couldn't cope with the various aspects of KSA culture and laws.

Perhaps that is why most employers prefer you to have some previous Middle East experience... Rolling Eyes

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

Thanks again for the information.

More questions for you folks already in KSA:

What if I go there and my school doesn't like me and decides to get rid of me? Do I have to pay this penalty if I get fired?

How does the probation period apply here? If I get let go during the probation period because they don't like me, do I pay the penalty?

I tend to be a slave driver, understand.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Back in the 1970's when I worked in a Min of Ed secondary school we had to deposit two months' salary in cash with the accountant if we wanted an exit visa.

Not many runners from those jobs !

007 · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 11:33 am Post subject:

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

Thanks, double-ought seven.