Job Discussion Forums

[gregsie74]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=105111

Hi all
Saw the above post, which shows you how to apply for visa alone, and basically an agency wants me to interview for a job. The offer looks good, but they want me to pay upfront for fee.( visa/medical). I read somewhere that you should never pay upfront fees when it comes to agents even if they offer you a contract can anyone confirm whether this is standard practice or not.

Thanks

[nomad soul]

Which employer is this?

[currentaffairs]

I just replied on the other thread. Usually, there is no problem paying upfront for visa fees. You will get reimbursed by your first or second paycheck.

[gregsie74]

@nomadsoul
An agency called globalteach.org.uk

they look quite professional, but as with anything need to be wary, as im not sure if its normal to pay for visa and medical after ive been offered a contract. Ive had interviews before, went to London etc, and they offered me a contract after seeing my papers, but they never mentioned anything about charging me for visa and medical fees. and based on that previous link i posted, apparently you can get the visa and medical yourself, although its a bit of a long way round

[nomad soul]

[plumpy nut]

[Gamajorba]

gregsie - I did the same. It can eventually come back to you...eventually...

currentaffairs - not all the time. I didn't get my refund until 3/4 of the way through my contract...but that was actually the fault of the recruiter, not the company I was working for, not that it makes it any better...

[abdullah373]

[scot47]

An Employment Agency in the UK or elsewhere in the EU cannot legally charge a job-seeker a fee. It is the role of the employer to pay for this. Asking for the employee to pay for medicals and visas upfront seems at the best a questionable practice.

In the past I did pay upfront for my ticket to KSA but that was with a reputable employer (A government University) and not with Uncle Abdullah's Excellent Ripoff Pedagogical Services, SAL.

I got the money back within a few weeks.

[I-forgot]

It might not be best practice but it is common practice. The usual contractors will offer you a job and then tell you to contact one of their preferred visa agencies in the UK. (Yes, this is UK-specific information).

The agency recieves instructions from the contractor with regards to the allocated visa numbers. (The contractors are given x number of visas for nationality y, b number of visas for nationality c etc). When you have paid the agency, they will arrange (and pay for) your medical with an embassy approved/authorised doctor. They will then send the results of the medical and other paperwork (which now apparently includes attested documents) to the embassy.

Shortly thereafter, you get a call to pick up your passport and visa.

The agencies don't get paid by the contractor for their work. Understandably, they will not process anything unless you pay them.

Yes, it would be much better if the contractors would pay for visas up front but they don't. Just as teachers don't always trust their employers, the contractors don't always trust the teachers. There have been too many people who have gone as far as to get their visa and then, for whatever reason, have chosen not to travel.

I am not aware of anyone who has had problems in recouping the cost of the visa and medical. Saudi Labor Law (not that it is worth much as so few people are willing to take an employer to court) does require the employer to pay for (which includes reimbursement) flights/visas/recruitment costs.

[currentaffairs]

Yes, would agree with forgot and Gama. You do get your money back for the visa/medical fees but it can take time. A few teachers had to wait three or four months after starting up to get their money but they were in the minority in my experience. Everyone got paid in the end..

The contractors generally don't mess around with money matters as much as with admin, teaching hours, location and such like..

PS Keep all your receipts!