Job Discussion Forums

newtogolf · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 49

I know the new hire is subject to medical examination upon his/her arrival. But is it a norm for univ to book a round trip ticket in case the new hire has some medical conditions that fall into the forbidden category? I understand the procedure, but still wonder if they could get a one-way ticket, and get another one-way ticket if unsolvable problem comes up. Is it just about saving cost (a round trip ticket is more likely to be cheaper than two one-way tickets)?
Anyways, how do you feel about this practice?

Iamherebecause · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:20 am Post subject:

newtogolf · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 49

It's a higher educational institution.

It's not a norm? Wow. So what does booking a round-trip ticket mean? Some new preventative measure in case...?

Thank you for the reply, and any opinions from other forumites?

Iamherebecause · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:47 am Post subject:

Odd.

I am not sure how many institutions this applies to, but at UAEU after the initial one-way ticket to fly out here the institution doesn't buy any more tickets - you get an allowance each summer and sort yourself out. Not sure what happens on final departure as I'm not leaving yet.

newtogolf · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 49

Thanks for the reply.
Should I ask the HR for some clarification? or is it something new in the general practice in UAE? The arrival date and departure date are about 10 days apart.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

If you don't pass the medical or you clash with your superiors within 2 days (or 200 days) of arrival - the employer is responsible for shipping you out of the country. That's the law. They usually only buy a 1 way ticket for you to come, but if you are "rejected" they also have to purchase your 1 way ticket back to point of origin.

The only time you might be concerned is if they have already paid your furniture allowance (and you spent it) and education for kids (if it has been paid to the school) - they will claw that back on a pro rata basis over 2 - 3 year period.

newtogolf · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 49

helenl,

Thanks for the response. Your answer seems to imply that buying roundtrip ticket is NOT a norm though shipping the new hire back to the point of origion is the law if the aforementioned problem occurs.

I am not in UAE yet.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Most of the time they buy the cheapest ticket they can find, so it just may be that when they bought your ticket there was a sale and they could get a round trip on the cheap. Since you said "round trip" I assume that you are American... this is often the case in the US bizarre ticket pricing system. When I bought my first ticket to go overseas to do my MA, the round trip ticket was significantly less that a one-way... which makes absolutely no sense, but so it was. I thought this had changed, but perhaps not.

Personally I don't see what it matters, nor would I think about it beyond this thread. I'd see it as an advantage... if you hate the new job, in a few months you can head back to the airport and fly home for free. Laughing

VS

newtogolf · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 49

VS,

You might be right. I noticed that the price for a roundtrip ticket is about 1/2 to 1/3 that of a one-way ticket(I have never realized this before). Although the designated travel agency may get cheaper one-way ticket, it may still prefer getting a roundtrip ticket without unnecessary hassle of bargaining.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

This is an American thing. When you are buying tickets in the Gulf, a one-way is normally half the price of the "return" as round trip tickets are called there.

VS

wintermute2 · Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 2:28 pm Post subject: round trip tickets for new hires

...good morning (here) and here goes my first post...I am in the second stage of hiring for the Nibras School in dubai, and also with Teachaway for positions in Abu Dhabi...I am going through all the subjects and posts, and am very impressed and much better informed...I am still confused, however, as to the airline tickets...should I buy a round trip (from US) for beginning of year/end of year, or will I get guidance from my handlers at the job I am offered/accept...thanks so much!...what an adventure!!! Very Happy

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Normally the employer buys the ticket. I would wait until whichever place you choose tells you. Plus, part of your benefits should be a round trip ticket for the summer leave.

In all my years in the Gulf, I never once purchased my own ticket. I picked it up at the airport or at an airline office prepaid by the employer. I understand that some employers have now decided to just give you the money and you arrange your own summer flights.

That said, who knows what some of these smaller employer do... I've never heard of Nibras. Teachaway is a new recruiter, so I don't know their policy. They should tell you.

VS

wintermute2 · Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 3:19 pm Post subject:

...thank you so much, Veiled...I have already learned a lot from your posts and answers! Smile

...Nibras School is supposedly in Dubai...I will be patient and wait for the answers from either...