Job Discussion Forums

Sand Trapped · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 25

I responded to the latest call for teachers from HCT by filling out the background form at their web site. But when I got to the declaration page, I noticed that they require a physical AFTER arriving in the UAE. At that point I stopped.

This is new to me because each physical exam I completed for my contracts in KSA was completed BEFORE I departed. That was fine. I knew before making the journey that I had cleared every hurdle, had my visa in hand, and secured the teaching position.

From my search of the discussion threads it seems that 1) this is a government requirement and thus required by all UAE employers and 2) if you fail, you go home (obviously).

What I didn't learn from the search is...who foots the bill for the trip over and the trip back home, i.e. is the teacher or the employer taking this financial risk?

Forgive me if my questions are redundant. I did search the UAE forum.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

You generally come over on their ticket. Ask them what happens if you fail the physical. I believe that, as your sponsor, they are legally responsible for you, but that doesn't mean they won't try to put you in a tight spot, so ASK.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

The UAE has always done it this way... (as does Kuwait and Oman). It is not a big deal... pretty much an X-ray for TB... an AIDS test and that is about it. You have already flown in on their provided ticket, they take you to get the tests and foot the bill, and if you fail, they would fly you back to wherever you came from.

In 15 years I only know of one teacher sent home for failing the AIDS test, but I'm sure that there must have been others. Not a huge problem...

VS (I heard a rumor that they do a drugs test now... is that true?)