Job Discussion Forums

Susan WW · Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Japan

Could anyone share updated information?
A job offer from Ministry of Manpower through Al Jusr Consultants, teaching at Public college in Muscat.
1. To enter Oman on arrival visit visa, then change to work visa later
2. Accomodation not provided
3. Oman 1050 per month incl. accomodation allowance...
4. Will Local ID (e.g. Iqama in Saudi Arabia) be required to travel around country?
5. What questions should I ask to Consultants prior to my arrival?

Thanks.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Ask them why they are not giving you a work visa to start with.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I arrived on a tourist visa, too. My recruiter (CfBT) got me my visa/residence card. It took about 3 months. I had to renew my tourist visa during that time, but they took care of it.

There are some semi-current threads about housing/prices in Muscat. Rents are going up, and the recent cyclone certainly won't help. I'm not sure you're getting such a good deal if your housing allowance is included in your salary.

I've never been asked for my residence card (except at the airport when flying out).

d

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

I also arrived on a tourist visa although my employer said that they would arrange the usual temporary visa. But, since I already had a multiple entry tourist visa in my passport, I suggested that they save their money and they were happy to do so. I had my labor card very quickly... about a month as I recall... but we had a very efficient crew of Omanis handling the process there.

I kept my labor card in my purse with my driving license and no one ever asked me to see it unless I was leaving the country.

I would ask them about the rental situation because of the cyclone damages. I would hope that they are going to give their new hires plenty of assistance in locating acceptable housing.

VS

Susan WW · Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Japan

1.I arrived on visit visa on arrival (Japan),
2.signed proper Employment Contract mutually
3.my employer took care of Certificate of Eligibility at Ministry of Justice
( takes 1 month)
4.then with that certificate, I applied for Work visa at local Immigration Branch office ( waiting time depends on queue.. on the same day)
5. I go to local city hall and register in Japanese/English (form) and get my Alien Registration Card(ARC)
6. I applied for Public Healthe Insurance on same day at same office
( they will issue the Health card at once)
7.with ARC, I open my bank account, apply for cell phone.
can join libraries..
No one helps me with anything,my employer directs me with maps and stuff by email, and send necessary documentations.
So how things work in Oman??

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

Much depends on your employer. I arrived in Oman and they took me directly to my furnished flat. The next day I went to the office and they took my passport to do the required visa. I probably filled out some papers, but I don't remember. In the next couple days, they took me to the clinic to get the require blood test (for AIDS), to the bank next door to open my account, and to the police station to get my finger prints. We also went to get the required picture taken for the work visa, and to the phone company to get my home phone and internet hooked up. (they arrived on the afternoon of the same day at my flat to connect it) When the work visa was completed, they handed me my labor card (as it is called in Oman) and they put my passport in their safe. Private employers tend to keep passports in Oman. I didn't make an issue of it as they were very good about handing it to me immediately whenever I asked for it.

Now this was a direct hire from one of the private universities, and each agent may do things slightly differently, and some are significantly better than others.

VS

Susan WW · Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Japan

seems like employers/agents take care of things, and help you out alot.
In Japan, all expats do things by themselves. Satff at government offices have idea what to do when they see us apply for visa/health card,etc. Something is not right, they will phone (my)employer and ask the info they may need.
But they DO NOT/WILL NEVER CONVERSE with us in English.
In my opinion, I prefer Japanese way, but all I can say is only
" Assalamo alikum " in arabic.
Thanks Vs. Hope you have a good day.

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

You're welcome.

BTW... Many expat teachers work here for years and can say little more than that in Arabic...

VS

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

When I was in Japan, my employers did a lot of set-up things for me. They didn't leave me on my own to sort out visas, bank accounts, etc. They even helped me with non-work things like buying a car and getting insurance.

Here in Oman, CfBT did the same things for me that VS mentioned, minus the phone and internet (although one woman did try to help by letting Omantel into my flat... except Omantel didn't come when they said they would!). I set up my own bank account, but I think that was because I chose a different bank--HSBC. And they didn't keep my passport. I get really nervous when anyone other than me has my passport!

d

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

' I get really nervous when anyone other than me has my passport! "
This is common amongst westerners. Why ?

Have a photocopy. Register with the Embassy and Consulate. What is the worst that can happen ?

007 · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:33 pm Post subject:

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

lotsa · Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 68 Location: Oman