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kylemcgee
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
Posts: 86
Location: Various..
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 Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:41 pm Post subject: My college is trying to screw me.. :( |
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Hello -
I have been working hard for a small college outside of Muscat. Things were pretty dismal, but I was surviving. I was never given a contract, so I thought I was a free agent to some extent, but had no particular plans to leave.
Then I was contacted by a great government in Muscat for a job. I gave my 30 day notice and the small college acted Ok at first, but things have changed.
Now they have said they will only release me in Mid Feb (2 weeks after I need to go). Additionally, they want me to pay for the initial flight they gave me though I have worked the 1st semester (the offer included 2 flights). Also, they want me to pay 1/2 of the work visa fee. And most disturbingly, I discovered I was not paid like all the other employees. Apparently, they are holding my salary ransom until I agree! 
I need to do something fast. I need a lawyer or the contact info for the labor board so I can get this stopped ASAP.
Any ideas? Please help..
Kyle |
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sharonariel
Joined: 06 Jan 2011
Posts: 54
Location: Changzhou, Jiangsu
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| Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:57 pm Post subject: |
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Well why don't you just find them a replacement?
You are reading a message from a guy who is looking for a job in the Middle East.
I could be there to take your place at about the time they want to release you. Or even a bit before, if there are not that many visa problems getting a visa into a US passport in China.
[email protected] |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 4:12 pm Post subject: |
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Obviously this isn't how it works. Mr sharonariel (not a name to be heading to the Middle East with...), if you want a job in Oman, there are always ads on the jobs page from these recruiter-based jobs. As I recall there was one just a few days ago. The visa process for new hires takes time.
KM... Your embassy might be able to refer you to a labor lawyer. A google might bring up some help too. Your mistake was giving notice without knowing what the contract said. Most tertiary level contracts require a 6 month notice... NOT 30 days... though some have mentioned here that they had a 3 month notice... so you likely broke your contract right there.
Jumping jobs in a month in the Gulf is nearly always an impossibility. I'd say that you are likely out of luck... best that you just discuss withdrawing your resignation and finish out the year.
VS |
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Duffy
Joined: 29 Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Location: Oman
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| Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 5:35 pm Post subject: |
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Kyle,
Have PM'd you.
Duffy  |
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kylemcgee
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
Posts: 86
Location: Various..
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| Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 6:48 pm Post subject: |
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| veiledsentiments wrote: |
Obviously this isn't how it works. Mr sharonariel (not a name to be heading to the Middle East with...), if you want a job in Oman, there are always ads on the jobs page from these recruiter-based jobs. As I recall there was one just a few days ago. The visa process for new hires takes time.
KM... Your embassy might be able to refer you to a labor lawyer. A google might bring up some help too. Your mistake was giving notice without knowing what the contract said. Most tertiary level contracts require a 6 month notice... NOT 30 days... though some have mentioned here that they had a 3 month notice... so you likely broke your contract right there.
Jumping jobs in a month in the Gulf is nearly always an impossibility. I'd say that you are likely out of luck... best that you just discuss withdrawing your resignation and finish out the year.
VS |
VS -
Thanks for the message, I already contacted my embassy and i hope to get some info on a lawyer to help.
As I said, I NEVER signed or was presented with one, so the point is mute. The only official college handbook specifies a 30 day resignation. Apparently the lecturer contract is different, but again I never signed it.
Kyle |
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kylemcgee
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
Posts: 86
Location: Various..
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| Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 2:55 pm Post subject: |
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| sharonariel wrote: |
Well why don't you just find them a replacement?
You are reading a message from a guy who is looking for a job in the Middle East.
I could be there to take your place at about the time they want to release you. Or even a bit before, if there are not that many visa problems getting a visa into a US passport in China.
[email protected] |
I'm afraid I wouldn't recommend working at this college to my worst enemy but it's up to you. Pay's not too hot either. How much would you be willing to take? 21 hours a week of teaching.
Kyle |
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Sleepwalker
Joined: 02 Feb 2007
Posts: 454
Location: Reading the screen
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| Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:20 pm Post subject: |
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I suspect that the problem is that you didn't complete the initial contract which is usually (at minimum) a year. Even if you didn't sign a contract, you are under their sponsorship.
The college won't want to release you without a replacement and I have heard of people having to repay the whole flight costs and some salary.
VS may be right and you might be better to withdraw your notice.
I wish you luck. |
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kylemcgee
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
Posts: 86
Location: Various..
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| Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:33 pm Post subject: |
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| Sleepwalker wrote: |
I suspect that the problem is that you didn't complete the initial contract which is usually (at minimum) a year. Even if you didn't sign a contract, you are under their sponsorship.
The college won't want to release you without a replacement and I have heard of people having to repay the whole flight costs and some salary.
VS may be right and you might be better to withdraw your notice.
I wish you luck. |
I have a copy of the Omani labor law (http://www.omanet.com/english/government/labour.asp?cat=gov) and it is very clear that contracts are only valid if written and signed (article 26). Additionally, the flights are the burden of the employer and are not to be paid back unless stipulated in the contract (article 20).
I am trying to find replacements for myself and the other people who are leaving, but it's hard with a college which refuses to advertise and pays little.
Withdrawing my notice is not an option. I will not be forced into work like an indentured servant. I'd rather move. 
And as I said I do know that I am in the right. I am mainly looking for lawyers to help to get this situation resolved as painlessly and quickly as possible.
Kyle |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:49 pm Post subject: |
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