Job Discussion Forums

[rustyrockets]

http://timesofoman.com/article/93984/Oman/Omanisation/exclusive-plan-to-scrap-no-objection-certificates-in-oman

What do you think the impact will be for TEFL in Oman?

[veiledsentiments]

It will just make it easier to change jobs at the end of a contract.

VS

[madrileno]

I know a lot of people are excited about this.

People who've been locked into their positions since 2014 will be able to change jobs.

Quite a few are already making tentative plans. Hopefully this change goes into effect in time for the end of the academic year.

[Whatever will be]

Some agencies offer ongoing positions only.
There is no ending date.
The contract just keeps rolling over from one year to the next. It's an effective strategy to keep workers trapped in never-ending exploitation.

[veiledsentiments]

When notified that the contract is rolled over (as required by Omani law), the teacher can decline. Or teachers can notify the employer (per contract) that they are not interested in renewal and the 'anniversary date' or whatever one wants to call it.

VS

[Whatever will be]

True scenario:
Teacher comes back after summer holidays. Contract is up for renewal. Agency offers new contract. Less benefits, less pay and ongoing.
Take it or leave it!

In theory, it's all well and good about decling the offers, finding a new job, blablabla. In reality, the agencies have been playing this game for yonks , they know every trick and they always seem one step ahead.
The teachers needs a job and a pay check.
It's a no win situation.

[veiledsentiments]

So obviously if they have been doing X for yonks, one knows what to expect and with the removal of the NOC, you can now just give them the finger, make a copy of your CV, and knock on a few doors.

Personally I would never go on summer leave without a signed renewal in hand, and if I didn't have it, I just wouldn't return.

If it is so awful, perhaps rather than whinging endlessly for the last couple years, one could prepare financially to just go to some other country or some other profession.

VS

[Whatever will be]

Thanks for the support and the compassion!

Apparently, it's just not enough that we get hammered by the recruitment agencies, the management and the students....

Hopefully, others will be warned and it will help them avoid these pitfalls. It's my service to the teaching community.

[Charlie123]

Experienced professionals may benefit because it is now possible for another employer to lure them away with higher salary and better working conditions. Employers may be inspired to improve working conditions to retain their most valued employees.

Improved working conditions and more freedom to move around is likely to encourage more talent to come to the Sultanate, making it a long-term benefi for everyone.

It's all good.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

I, for one [and I'm definitely not the only one], say good riddance to the NOC system and I hope it never returns. Its only purpose was to give Omani employers more power over their foreign staff, although it was justified under the guise that the employer had expended resources on employee training. Now, at least, if you don't like your job, but like living in Oman, you can look at other employment options within the Sultanate without having to beg [and sometimes bribe - highly illegal, but this did go on] your employer for a NOC, or leave the country for two years.

[Charlie123]

How long will it take to process a transfer from one employer to another? Or in other words, if someone is interested in finding a new position, when should they start looking?

[veiledsentiments]

That will only be answered once the NOC is officially gone and a few teachers have done it. And even then it will likely be highly dependent on the employers involved... and I assume your contract will have to be completed.

VS

[Sleepwalker]

Start looking the minute the news is announced. Transfer should take as long as the notice period.

[Whatever will be]

'NOC doesn't guarantee return to Oman' ROP official re-affirms

19 January 2016

http://timesofoman.com/article/75831/Oman/Government/No-Objection-Certificate-doesn't-guarantee-return-to-Oman-say-ROP

Muscat: “A No Objection Certificate (NOC) will not assure that an expatriate can return to Oman after leaving his job.”

That was the message again from senior police officials to the Times of Oman, who reiterated that holding a certificate from an ex-employer no longer guarantees being able to work in Oman again within two years of exit.

Major Rashid Al Abri confirmed there were new rules tightening up procedures for expatriate workers wanting to return, saying, “The final decision is of Royal Oman Police (ROP).”

An exception to the strict rules, he added, was that if both the old and the new sponsor — not a company representative but the sponsor-themselves — came in person to the immigration office to sign the NOC for approval from the ROP. There were media reports yesterday that company representatives could process the papers at the immigration office, but the official said this was not fully correct.

[veiledsentiments]

In other words... it may not occur at all. And either way it will depend on the good graces of both the new and old employers...

I would expect that in most cases (all?) it would require completion of contract and leaving the country. Probably will just get rid of the X year wait to come back... and your previous employer will likely still have the option to do that to you.

VS