Job Discussion Forums

cam · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 124 Location: Maine, USA

Have you received any news from your recruiters with respect to arrival dates? Have you obtained tickets yet?

I am still waiting so I am beginning to wonder if others have some insights -not getting too much info from my agency. Any info would be appreciated.

stanggg · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Buraimi Oman

I am not being sarcastic, but it does not surprise me at all that you have not received news or tickets. When I started, even though I was a direct hire, I got my tickets a week before I left. Even though I was ready to come before the semester began they brought me in after the semester started and prorated my first paycheck.

Getting info out of HR was nearly impossible for me. You have to just go with it, or you could try and call them.

I am sure this isn't going to help your piece of mind, but your situation is not out of the ordinary.
Peace
Stanggg

madrileno · Joined: 19 Aug 2010 Posts: 270 Location: Salalah, Oman

You are not alone.

I'm currently in Oman, and haven't heard anything! I called my recruiter today and was told the MoM is still processing applicants. Don't be surprised if they fly you in last minute, or after the semester has already started (as my current employer did to me when I first came to Oman).

Just one of the many pleasures that come with living in the gulf...

syntaxed · Joined: 26 Nov 2012 Posts: 8 Location: USA

My recruiter did send me an email yesterday saying that the ticket and visa were being processed. No reference to a completion date so, as usual, it is "hurry up and wait". Like you, wish I knew so I could complete my pack out, storage, etc. If anyone hears anything definitive, please post. Thanks.

cam · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 124 Location: Maine, USA

The latest from my agency is that I should make tentative plans to arrive on the 7th or 8th of September. However, this is not final so I should not pay for my ticket yet.......

Anyone else in the same boat - waiting to leave for Oman in September?

syntaxed · Joined: 26 Nov 2012 Posts: 8 Location: USA

I received my eticket and visa this week. I fly from USA on Tuesday, 27 August, for a Sept 1st start date.

nenna-978 · Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 7:15 pm Post subject:

cam · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 124 Location: Maine, USA

nenna-978 · Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 11:04 am Post subject:

Good luck Cam!!!!

cam · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 124 Location: Maine, USA

Just a quick update - still sitting at home wondering if and when I will be heading to Oman. (Slowly beginning to accept that I might have to accept a job in another country rather than waiting for this one.)

Anyone know if most new recruits to HCT have already arrived in Oman?

madrileno · Joined: 19 Aug 2010 Posts: 270 Location: Salalah, Oman

lizziebennet · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 355

Madrileno, you should be fine. I got my visa transferred in 3 working days. Already changed over to the uni last week.

cam · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 124 Location: Maine, USA

Quick Update: No longer waiting to go to Oman......Conclusion is that CECN is a poor choice for anyone seeking employment in Oman.

The second last email I received on September 15, 2013 is below:

In a meeting yesterday in the Ministry we were told that the teachers should be here before 1/10/2013 or they will not take them.

On Sunday 15/9/2013, the PRO's will start chasing after the visa. I would give it 10 days so make your flight to arrive here on 24 to 25 September 2013. Make your reservation tentative now, do not buy the ticket until I tell you the visa is ready.

Sorry there are so many hurdles that we have to jump now. But it will work out.

The last email to my final request for an update on September 23, 2013 is below:

We are waiting for the visa letter.

BTW, first mention of a "visa letter" in my dealings with CECN. I assume that they fell over the hurdles and didn't secure the documents to get me there. (Hopefully, know one was injured in the fall.) Laughing

Advice for future teachers interested in Oman is to deal with more established agencies - I should have. Exclamation

cam · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 124 Location: Maine, USA

Well, the last update: CECN eventually got the paperwork done and I arrived in Oman about 6 weeks ago.

I had three days to find a flat and absolutely no assistance from the company. Two weeks later, they paid my airfare and part of the first month's salary. The second pay was late but I guess if you are patient the pay will make its way to your account.

In the end, CECN is not the best agency but if you get no offers from the other agencies then consider CECN.

revilo · Joined: 05 Oct 2013 Posts: 181 Location: Mos Eisley

I had an interview with TATI Oman and I got hired by Al Musanna in summer 2013. I go on vacation during Ramadan....relaxing in Dubai (or as much as one can relax during Ramadan). Meanwhile, days go by and I'm checking the email....nothing about a visa letter.
I call TATI and they tell me: "After they hired you, they checked their records and you interviewed with them 6 months earlier...you did not get hired. They unhired you."

There were 7 of those sleazball colleges to interview with and I made the mistake of interviewing with the same one TWICE! At this very moment, they are still recruiting teachers to come to Oman and experience their (ahem) "quality education." Evil or Very Mad

Never again.