Job Discussion Forums

housecat · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa

A couple of years ago, there were almost always Uni jobs posted here at Dave's for UAE, but now that I'm ready be there, all I can find is SA.

I've read about the frustrations at most universities, HCT in particular, but what's with the big shift in demand? Or does it just seem like the way it seems?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

It's your timing. Most positions in the Gulf posted earlier this year through the spring.

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

Also, most universities hire through their websites now and rarely run ads except around the peak hiring time of Jan-Apr, which is when TESOL Arabia and TESOL in the US hit.

VS

housecat · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa

Thanks for your replies. I thought it might be good to apply now, as I understand that this is a process that can take some time.

I did apply through one university website. I'll see if I can find some more good options.

Also, I first asked questions on this site a few years ago, about being a single mom and teaching in the ME. There was some question about needing a father's permission to travel with my child.

The embassy in DC assures me that, as I have full custody, I don't need anything else from the father. The person I spoke to there was also very, very friendly and encouraging.

I am very open to any other advice or whatever that anyone has to offer. I really hope this works out. Now that I'm ready to make this move, I am starting to look forward to learning new things in a new place.

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

housecat · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa

[quote="veiledsentiments"][quote="housecat"]The embassy in DC assures me that, as I have full custody, I don't need anything else from the father. The person I spoke to there was also very, very friendly and encouraging.[/quote]
Based on the experience of those who have done it, I'd give the advice that one can never trust the word of one employee at the embassy. Cool

You will find with these Middle East embassies if you ask 5 employees, you will get 5 different answers... and none of them may be the correct answer.

The women that I know of... who all had complete legal custody... were required to have permission letters from the father. This has been true in all the GCC countries.

So, I wouldn't assume that this person is correct and be ready to provide the letter if required.

VS[/quote]

Then the UAE has a lot in common with Taiwan. If it comes to that, I'm sunk. There has been no communication between us for years and I have no idea where he is or how to reach him.

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

housecat · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa

The guy at the embassy did say that there were things I needed to do with my custody papers. He told me to call him personally if I'm offered a job and he would tell me what to do.

I've applied for a couple of positions at two universities. We'll just have to wait and see.

Anyone care to give me a guesstimate for how long it should take them to get back? Both websites are clear that if they aren't interested, they aren't likely to bother contacting an applicant.

Thanks.

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

I wouldn't expect to hear soon as it is unlikely that many of them are hiring right now. Were you applying for 2nd semester (January or February) or for next August/September?

VS

desertdawg · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 206

There has to be some kind of permission letter. I don't know the details but it is possible to get a letter from your home country saying that the father is "uncontactable".

As far as I'm aware you come first and your family join later. This is the case with my employer. You get your residence, then apply for your child. My experience so far is that it seems to be a try it and see. Cases are dealt with on an individual basis and there are no promises. But the vibe I get is that the immigration authorities are pretty flexible and helpful. I had an issue with my wife joining me and it was quickly and efficiently resolved. One thing to be aware of is that you now have to pay a 5000 Dhs deposit (refundable on exit) for some dependants.

My advice would be not too worry to much about this. There will be a way around it. However you may be in the UAE and the document will need preparing in the US. So you need people to help you there. It might be an idea to set up a power of attorney.

I know other people who have overcome this difficulty. But not from the US. So I don't know the procedures there.

Good luck!

housecat · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa

The posts said the jobs are for August '12, but they may hire for Jan. '12 as well. So the answer is either, I suppose.

housecat · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa

[quote="desertdawg"]There has to be some kind of permission letter. I don't know the details but it is possible to get a letter from your home country saying that the father is "uncontactable".

As far as I'm aware you come first and your family join later. This is the case with my employer. You get your residence, then apply for your child. My experience so far is that it seems to be a try it and see. Cases are dealt with on an individual basis and there are no promises. But the vibe I get is that the immigration authorities are pretty flexible and helpful. I had an issue with my wife joining me and it was quickly and efficiently resolved. One thing to be aware of is that you now have to pay a 5000 Dhs deposit (refundable on exit) for some dependants.

My advice would be not too worry to much about this. There will be a way around it. However you may be in the UAE and the document will need preparing in the US. So you need people to help you there. It might be an idea to set up a power of attorney.

I know other people who have overcome this difficulty. But not from the US. So I don't know the procedures there.

Good luck![/quote]

I could not, and would not, travel without my son. We're it for each other; there isn't other family. But I don't worry about that aspect at all, as I've been assured again and again that if there is one real positive about the ME, it's that the place is very, very family oriented.

I am thinking positively and hoping for a workable solution.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

At HCT ZU UAEU (I think) the family travels together usually. In Qatar it is the same at the 6 US Universities and the Canadian College.

I would think if any of the universities you applied to is a "branch" of a US or UK university the same would apply, but it should be verified first.

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

I've never heard of any university outside of Saudi Arabia where the family doesn't come all together with the employee. And I don't recall that this has ever been mentioned on any of the other boards other than Saudi.

Who is this desertdawg?

Perhaps there are different rules depending on your passport?

VS

desertdawg · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 206

Just somebody living and working in the UAE now and going through this procedure at the moment (regarding a permission letter from my children's birth father).

My apologies if my post was misleading. I try to keep my advice to matters where I have first hand knowledge (ie "my Company" & "other countries"). Of course I can only speak of my experience. Perhaps it would be wise for others to do the same

Again good luck to the OP.