Changing Jobs - Visa Implications

#1 (**permalink**) 19th April 2009, 05:42 AM

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of changing jobs very soon. Currently I work for a private company so my Visa is sponsored by them. If and when I leave I shall work for a free zone company....how does it work?

I assume my company will cancel my visa as soon as I leave them, how long can I stay in the country after that? Also how long does it take for my to get a visa to work in the free zone.

I appreciate all the help I can get on this matter, as I cannot ask my internal HR as it will raise suspicions about my intentions.

Thanks

Tiger Lily · #2 (**permalink**) 19th April 2009, 04:18 PM

Hi Buppo,

If you have been with your existing company for 3 years or more, you can change jobs with no problems even if your company refuses to give you an "NOC" - no objection certificate.

If your new job is within a free zone, eg. Media City, you are also fine because you don't need an NOC.

If neither of these things applies to you, you need to be very careful about changing jobs or you could end up with a 6 month work ban.

Hope that helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buppo

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of changing jobs very soon. Currently I work for a private company so my Visa is sponsored by them. If and when I leave I shall work for a free zone company....how does it work?

I assume my company will cancel my visa as soon as I leave them, how long can I stay in the country after that? Also how long does it take for my to get a visa to work in the free zone.

I appreciate all the help I can get on this matter, as I cannot ask my internal HR as it will raise suspicions about my intentions.

Thanks

Sumair · #3 (**permalink**) 20th April 2009, 06:56 AM

Dear Kindly provide your date of issuance of labour card and any special terms in your contract or labour card regarding termination / resignation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buppo

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of changing jobs very soon. Currently I work for a private company so my Visa is sponsored by them. If and when I leave I shall work for a free zone company....how does it work?

I assume my company will cancel my visa as soon as I leave them, how long can I stay in the country after that? Also how long does it take for my to get a visa to work in the free zone.

I appreciate all the help I can get on this matter, as I cannot ask my internal HR as it will raise suspicions about my intentions.

Thanks

#4 (**permalink**) 20th April 2009, 12:51 PM

Hi Tiger Lily

Thanks for your feedback. I have been with my current company less than 6 months...in fact I am still on probation - which is one of the reasons I wish to leave....I was made a lot of empty promises and frankly joining them was the worst decision of my life and has made my life sheer hell since I moved here. They no longer issue NOC letters. Luckily for me it seems I do not need it to transfer to a free zone company.

The new company is in the free zone.

In terms of the actual visa how does that work. My current company cancel my VISA...how long can I stay in Dubai after that?

Do I need to exit and re enter in order for the new company to process my new visa or can it be done without me leaving.

There are conditions that my existing company have in their contract and although I do not think they are fair, I do not want to aggravate the situation. Basically I have to pay a certain percentage of my recruitment costs, despite them approaching me to do the job and not vice versa. No 3rd Party recruitment consultant was involved...maybe someone can shed light on this too? Can they expect me to pay them costs?

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiger Lily

Hi Buppo,

If you have been with your existing company for 3 years or more, you can change jobs with no problems even if your company refuses to give you an "NOC" - no objection certificate.

If your new job is within a free zone, eg. Media City, you are also fine because you don't need an NOC.

If neither of these things applies to you, you need to be very careful about changing jobs or you could end up with a 6 month work ban.

Hope that helps.

Sumair · #5 (**permalink**) 21st April 2009, 06:23 AM

Dear Buppo,

You will face six months automatic ban on your visa, but fortunately you are joining Free Zone company so it will not effect you.

Your current employer should cancel your visa , and then you will have 30 days to exit or get another visa. You dont have to exit the country for change of visa.

By law they can not ask you to pay any amount , but everyting will not work by law . Its better to amicably resolve the matter with them otherwise you may face some difficulty , like they may force you to leave the country in that case you will be out of touch from your new employer.

They may also do many things but its better to leave amicably, get your visa canceled and join new company.

Best of Luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buppo

Hi Tiger Lily

Thanks for your feedback. I have been with my current company less than 6 months...in fact I am still on probation - which is one of the reasons I wish to leave....I was made a lot of empty promises and frankly joining them was the worst decision of my life and has made my life sheer hell since I moved here. They no longer issue NOC letters. Luckily for me it seems I do not need it to transfer to a free zone company.

The new company is in the free zone.

In terms of the actual visa how does that work. My current company cancel my VISA...how long can I stay in Dubai after that?

Do I need to exit and re enter in order for the new company to process my new visa or can it be done without me leaving.

There are conditions that my existing company have in their contract and although I do not think they are fair, I do not want to aggravate the situation. Basically I have to pay a certain percentage of my recruitment costs, despite them approaching me to do the job and not vice versa. No 3rd Party recruitment consultant was involved...maybe someone can shed light on this too? Can they expect me to pay them costs?

Thanks

#6 (**permalink**) 21st April 2009, 07:22 AM

Thanks Sumair.

So let me get this right...if I pay them what they ask for and leave on amicable terms, I can move to a free zone company (even now after working only 5 months) and there will be no ban?

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sumair

Dear Buppo,

You will face six months automatic ban on your visa, but fortunately you are joining Free Zone company so it will not effect you.

Your current employer should cancel your visa , and then you will have 30 days to exit or get another visa. You dont have to exit the country for change of visa.

By law they can not ask you to pay any amount , but everyting will not work by law . Its better to amicably resolve the matter with them otherwise you may face some difficulty , like they may force you to leave the country in that case you will be out of touch from your new employer.

They may also do many things but its better to leave amicably, get your visa canceled and join new company.

Best of Luck!

Ogri750 · #7 (**permalink**) 21st April 2009, 02:22 PM

If you don't have an NOC then the Ministry of Labour will automatically place a 6 month ban on you.

Luckily you are moving into a free zone so you shouldn't have much to worry about.

Personally I wouldn't pay the company a bean as regards to recruitment. Tell them that you will go with them to the Ministry of Labour to discuss any monies they wish you to pay. They won't go near the place.

Sumair · #8 (**permalink**) 22nd April 2009, 06:44 AM

Yes, and do everything amicably , this is my advice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buppo

Thanks Sumair.

So let me get this right...if I pay them what they ask for and leave on amicable terms, I can move to a free zone company (even now after working only 5 months) and there will be no ban?

Thanks

#9 (**permalink**) 22nd April 2009, 05:39 PM

I have spoken to MOL and they told me same thing about NOC etc which is a huge relief

I think I am going to go see them in person with my contract etc and find out where I stand legally!

From other people who have left they have had no choice about paying...the company has automatically deducted the costs from their final pay check!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ogri750

If you don't have an NOC then the Ministry of Labour will automatically place a 6 month ban on you.

Luckily you are moving into a free zone so you shouldn't have much to worry about.

Personally I wouldn't pay the company a bean as regards to recruitment. Tell them that you will go with them to the Ministry of Labour to discuss any monies they wish you to pay. They won't go near the place.

Sumair · #10 (**permalink**) 23rd April 2009, 07:19 AM

Dear Buppo,

Again I am advising you DO not go for complain to MOL.

Your case is very simple if amount involve is not big , then make some negotaition with company and resolve the case.

Get more advise from HR people around you , no one will give you advice to go to MOL.

Best of Luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buppo

I have spoken to MOL and they told me same thing about NOC etc which is a huge relief

I think I am going to go see them in person with my contract etc and find out where I stand legally!

From other people who have left they have had no choice about paying...the company has automatically deducted the costs from their final pay check!