Job Discussion Forums

[disregardedknowledge]

If I'm correct, several years ago Oman did away with visa bans. So if an employee decides he doesn't want a job after a couple months because another job in Oman comes along, what is the usual scenario?

Will the prospective employer lose interest in hiring if they are aware the employee hasn't worked for too long at his previous position? Or can I lose the passport and get another without the visa and then reenter?

PMs welcome. Thanks.

[veiledsentiments]

If you have a live work visa in your passport, your current employer must cancel it and get the labor card back before you can get another job. Also, an employer with the proper wasta (influence) can keep you from transferring jobs even if you complete your contract and/or change passports. It's not common, but is a possibility.

So, best not burn too many bridges...

But, I must say that you have an obsessive interest in this topic. You have at least a dozen posts asking about how easy it is to do a runner or change jobs. You would be much better off spending your time checking up on your new employer. You better hope that any employer who is considering hiring you doesn't manage to identify your posts here. (and yes, they do monitor this board)

VS

[jdl]

Indeed, we do.

[Neil McBeath]

disregardedknowledge,

Ok, lets recap here.

Up until 2005, if employees wished to leave an employer, then they had two options.

The first was to resign, leave the Sultanate for TWO years, and then return.

The other way was to ask for a No Objection Certificate, which meant that the employer was formally stating that there was no objection to the (about-to-beome) former employee moving somewhere else.

There were instances of this, particularly when businesses were losing trade or were going bust, because it saved the original firm the cost of repatriating the employee. I cannot actually recall any in the teaching profession, but that does not mean they did not occur.

I do know, however, of cases where the original employer flatly refused to give an NOC. In one case this was a recruiter who had sub-contracted to RAFO. When RAFO wished to take some of the sub-contracted teachers onto their own books, the transfer was denied.

At some time between 2005 and 2007, this system ended.

It is now possible for people to resign from one job, and move to another. The original employer has to cancel the employee's original sponsorship, and the new employer has to give a new sponsorship, but if the worst comes to the worst, that can be done by going down to Muscat Airport, formally leaving the country on a round trip ticket to Sharjah (Air Arabia - 60 rials) and returning to pick up a new work visa from the new employer.

[ThaneKerner]

Do a runner in Oman and you'll have a tough time getting another job if you use another agency. The agencies in Oman are a pretty close-knit group, and they regularly communicate with each other regarding who does runners. Do a runner in Oman at your own risk.

[eslbear]

Unless there is any issue with how the employee left - any outstanding dues, the resignation without proper notice etc.

Then, the employer wont cancel the visa until all issues are resolved or if the employee is considered "absconded" the employer cant cancel the visa for 6 months. And the employee cant get a new visa while still under a current one.

So the idea that a "runner" is possible these days is not so easily managed.

[veiledsentiments]

[disregardedknowledge]

There seems to be some misunderstanding. I no where on my original post stated anything about a runner!!!!!! Let me be more clear. What if someone in Oman decides they want another job and another Omani employer is interested. So then the employee formally resigns. If a NOC is not needed, and the teacher gets a new passport, will there be an issue when he returns to Oman? Repeat, not a runner. Just simply someone who wants to know his choices if he arrives and after a few weeks, the position is not at all what the teacher expected and he or she wants to leave.

There is no intent to deceive or leave an employer in a bad situation. My question is what people all over the world face everyday. Starting a job that is not as good as you had hoped or were told and you wish to move on. That's it, nothing else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No running, just formal resignation!

VS, you offer some valuable insights usually, but at other times you are quick to jump the gun and criticize

[eslbear]

My apologies, I think I suggested the idea of a runner in the context of potential trouble getting a new job in Oman. If you resign as per the terms of your contract and have no outstanding debts to the company or to the bank then there is nothing stopping you from being hired by the new employer.

The current visa has to be canceled at the airport with the company PRO so you do have to leave, if only temporarily.

eslbear

[jdl]

Here is a copy of the Oman Labour Law. It may prove helpful? I am sure there is a book of procedures and regulations which define the 'ways and means' of the law but I am unable to locate that as yet.

http://www.manpower.gov.om/labourlaw/TOC_English.pdf

[veiledsentiments]

[eslbear]

my understanding is that the visa has to be canceled as you are leaving the country. You can't have your visa canceled and then remain hanging around - for example your company cancels it on your behalf and you catch a flight later in the week or something.

If you want to remain in the country and switch employers, you need a letter of release from the sponsor - this topic was addressed in the "Week" magazine / paper today in fact for anyone who is in Oman and can get a copy.

eslbear

[Duffy]

If you can't get hold of a copy here is the link. They have an e-paper as well.

http://www.theweek.co.om/home.aspx

duffy

[veiledsentiments]

[eslbear]

Absolutely not VS, the visa must be canceled by the employer and with the employee - they have to stamp the passport after all. If you leave on vacation but then do not return, that is under the "absconded" category and the employer has to wait for 6 months to cancel the visa.

That is why the runner is such a pain for the employer. You can cancel the visa with the employee gone but I believe you have to first buy them a plane ticket leaving oman - in case they are actually still in the country but not reported back to work. The Ministry and ROP have to have the assurance that they can deport the person but at the employers cost.

So, the new employer wont be able to obtain a new visa for the person and the old employer maintains some control over the fate of the employee. If you want to switch jobs you have to follow the rules - with proper notice the employer has no choice but to cancel your visa at the appropriate time at the end of the notice period - if the employer refuses, then a case can be made to the Ministry.

eslbear