Job Discussion Forums

robbievienna · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Posts: 15

Hi All,

I interviewed for a teaching position in the Emirates during mid-June. The interview went extremely well; they told me I had the position, and that they would get in touch with me shortly. In the meanwhile, they haven't been in touch. I haven't seen any physical paperwork (contracts, etc.) yet. The woman with whom I interviewed has been on vacation for the past month, but she gave me contact info for someone who would be around the office. I've phoned and emailed him (once), but not received any response.

I'm currently back in my homeland. So, as today is 26 July and I still haven't heard anything, I'm starting to get a bit worried. Most positions I know fly out their teachers by August 15th. Last year was my first year teaching in the Emirates, and my previous school dropped the ball for well over a month. They finally got in touch with me mid-August last year, to tell me they had booked my ticket three days before I was going to fly.

Basically, my question is this: Should I be worried? Should I be looking into other possible employers? How often do employers in the Emirates just "flake out" at the last minute, and never get in touch with the potential employees? Should I feel safe that I have been offered a position, or should I feel worried that I haven't heard anything?

Thanks much,

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

The lower you are on the educational totem pole, the more likely this can happen. I note from another thread that your previous employer was Sabis. Could they have nixed your new job?

Yes, with nothing in writing, I would be very worried and looking for something else just in case.

VS

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

Who's your new employer? That'll be an indication of whether you should be worried or not. Most private schools are returning in early September, public ones after Ramadan on about 23rd September. Are you a qualified and certified teacher?

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

The phantom employer may have already started your visa process. Even if you do find and sign on with another company, you may have to wait until the visa from the first employer runs out, before the new company can start your visa. If you think that waiting for the contract details is frustration, just imagine how aggravating it will be to wait for the original visa to run out. The employer who has left you hanging will also probably leave your visa application flapping in the wind and not withdraw it.

It's not a problem if you are applying for a position in another country.

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

It's your second job in the UAE? Then you have everything in order. Everyone is on vacation and you shouldn't worry. It's hard to be patient, but what else can you do?

When does the semester begin? They should be sending you a contract at least a month before, I would think, but I am no expert.

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

Guelzar is right that any back-up application should probably be in another country if you think the current UAE job was honest and is working on a visa for you. Hard to say if we don't know who it is...

VS

adorabilly · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Robbievienna.

This is something that drives most westerners crazy.

YOu will be informed that you are hired, they will send you a contract, you will sign it, and then the school HR will disappear and you are left feeling like WTF?

It is very common here in the ME.

I'd call the office HR and ask what is happening.

When we came, we got the contract in May, then didn't hear back from the HR until the start of the 2nd week of august. That waiting in between with NO contact.

robbievienna · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Posts: 15

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

I guess the question would be is why has ADEC blacklisted you? If, indeed, they have. Did you pass the security/background check? If you don't pass that, you won't be hired anywhere, period.

Getting a reason from ADEC is probably nearly impossible. If you feel the security check was not an issue, just keep slogging away.

gatter · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 6

We had a signed contact from a government agency for three years beginning August 1, 2009, we are still waiting for our plane tickets and an exact date. With respect to the UAE, no matter what you are waiting for, they change at will and don't seem to understand the concept completely of what is a contact and detrimental reliance.

My advice to those with a contact, don't do anything to change your life (like rent your house, ship your dogs, etc. until you have confirmed plane reservations that can't be changed without your permission. We checked things out thoroughly and got into a mess. We were even given tentative flights which we thought they confirmed and then found we are sitting waiting to see if we eve have a job. Or losses are over $10,000 this month and increasing. Beware!

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Who is your prospective employer? If we knew we might be able to cast some "light" on their way of handling new employees?

gatter · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 6

MAGS under department of education (fortunately not using real name in case they are watching

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

Gatter - you're right about the UAE not understanding (I'd suggest not caring about the concept of detrimental reliance), but you're incorrect in saying you had a contract. As I've said on this board many times, no-one has a contract that is set in stone until they have the MoL stamped Contract.