Job Discussion Forums

Mikalina · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 12:57 pm Post subject: Visa problem in Kurdistan

I'm having problems getting my visa extended in Kurdistan. Been to Residency three times, seen loads of people and been fined 67,000 dinar. Still no extension. Told to come back with contract but company wont give me one. What happens when I want to leave if I still don't have visa? Any ideas?

GOTL · Joined: 12 Feb 2010 Posts: 53

Who are you working for and why do you have no residency/work visa issued? Something sounds shady with your employer.

Mikalina · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 4:39 pm Post subject:

I was sent a contract in England and had telephone interview with English guy. Told I would be given the hardcopy contract on arrival signed. This didn't happen. Went off to work in a satellite school where attempts were made to get a visa by local staff. Always some story of lost papers, thought you had left the country, etc.

Took matters into my own hands by going to Residency - ended up paying fine. They said to bring contract next day and visa would be extended. At that stage, I knew nothing about a residency permit.

Company got really arsy about my trying to sort it. Still wouldn't give me a contract. Usual bullying tactics plus some degree of aggression made me move out of school. Things went from bad to worse and I was treated so badly, I just left. Living in 'borrowed flat' for the summer til owner comes back at the end of the month.

Emplolyer definitely shady!!!

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

So, are you saying that you are living there illegally, and now have no job since the confrontation with your employer??

How do you plan to get a visa extended then? Are you allowed to live there just because you want to? Are you now trying to extend a tourist visa?

VS

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

"I was sent a contract in England and had telephone interview with English guy. Told I would be given the hardcopy contract on arrival signed. This didn't happen."

What is this world coming to when the English can't trust the English?!? Laughing

P.s.- Happy 4th of July!

It's Scary!

Mikalina · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 5:59 pm Post subject:

VS

I've been here illegally since I was brought over by the school and during the time I worked for them for four and a half months. I've been trying to find work but the pirahna fish smell desperation and there's a lot of "I have a friend who might be able to help you" dodgy stuff going on. My last attempt at a visa was just before I left when the Residency asked for a contract and the school refused to give me one. Hence, my original question of what happens if I try to leave the country?

Mikalina · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:01 pm Post subject:

It's Scary

I was rescued by an American NGO who gave me the use of an empty flat for the summer......

so, Happy 4th of July to you too!!

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

I'm glad to hear it, too.

I wish you the best getting this whole thing resolved in your favor.

MEB Cool

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

It appears that no one here really knows what you need to exit the country. Does it normally require an exit visa? A source of information about what you need might be a good travel agent... or the office of one of the major airlines. I think I'd check with them, get a ticket, and just head to the airport and see what happens.

Be sure to take the receipt proving that you had already paid a fine... and be ready to pay another one. Crying or Very sad

You may just have to bribe your way out.

VS

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

Bribes in the MENA? Get serious! Cool

It's Scary!

Mikalina · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 7:28 am Post subject:

Thanks for the advice and the good wishes. I'll let you know what happens. Meanwhile, I'll get the ticket and head for the airport.........

DedicatedTeacher · Joined: 11 Dec 2010 Posts: 10

Who did you go there with? You can send me a private message, and I may be able to help you a little more. I do know you need at least a current residency permit to leave. Sometimes you can find a friend that will sponsor you so you can just leave.

Mikalina · Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 11:26 am Post subject:

Thanks DedicatedTeacher - but at this stage it's just more conflicting advise. Gonna stick to plan A.......

safarer30 · Joined: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 41

Hi M.,

Care to give us an update? I'm becoming more certain by the day that the shenanigans of Kurdistan deserves its own forum. Good luck to you.