Job Discussion Forums

[Middle East Beast]

That's interesting, John. Now you've got me searching for anything similar for the UAE.

[johnslat]

Here's the latest I've found on Qatar:

March 2009

"The new law certainly doesn't go as far as I'd like -- the exit visa system is maintained -- but a number of significant flaws in the old system have been fixed."

"There are now alternate procedures to get an exit permit if your sponsor won't give you one, is out of the country, disappears or dies: you can either get someone here to "stand guarantee" for you (what does that mean?) or get a certificate from the courts that you're not wanted for anything."

http://qatar.livejournal.com/316429.html

And this, from a site entitled "Working in the Gulf States - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia", but it seems to be talking mostly about "third-world" migrant laborers:

"What are the risks?
If you take a contract with a major European or American company, (there are plenty in the Gulf), you can't come to much harm, provided you stay on the right side of the law. More about that later. If you choose to work directly to a local employer, the rewards can be higher, but you should be aware of a few things and take appropriate care:

Your employer is also your sponsor. You cannot work for anyone else if he does not release you.
You cannot leave the country without an exit visa issued by your employer/sponsor.
There is a culture of late or withheld payment, even among respected companies.
You do not have 'normal' employee's rights. Always research carefully before taking any contract in this part of the world. Abuse of 3rd World immigrant labour forces is all too common. Specialists and professionals are generally treated better, but with notable exceptions."

http://hubpages.com/hub/Gulf_States_Working

And this - but it also refers to "migrant workers", and even though EFLers are pretty "low-status", I don't think it would apply:

"Migrants in the Gulf states typically can't obtain an exit visa without the approval of their sponsor or employer, sometimes placing them in situations that amount to forced labor."

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2003/09/18/dubai-migrant-workers-risk

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

No exit visas required for Kuwait, the UAE or Oman. (nor Bahrain, or at least there didn't use to be). Passports are held by some private employers in these countries, but not government... and for teachers, getting them back for a trip - or even to abscond in dark of night - is easy.

VS

[Middle East Beast]

Thank you, VS. That's great news.