No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
Does anyone know anything about these? My company is going through a restructuring and it is possible that they may close down the division that I work in. Many of my colleagues are panicking and are sending out resumes to look for other jobs. Of course, nothing has been announced so we are told to just wait and see.
If the sponsor has no objection to an employee leaving then is it easy to get another job? How many times can you change jobs? Do you have to stay with an employer for a period of time first?
If anyone has any reliable information on this subject I would greatly appreciate it. There do not seem to be any clear guidelines anywhere. To me it doesn't seem too smart to look for another job until we know what the position is. They may just offer us jobs in another part of the buiness but they may get pretty pissed if we ask for NOC's. What do you think?
"Some lucky people change their job with the consent of the Employer but still keep the sponsership with him while working for an another company. Advantage of this is you can change any no. of jobs at any time. I am one of this:)"
That is the advantage. But think about the disadvantage, if you are being caught by the CID you will be deported and pay penalty of QR4,500 (don't know how much nowadays) & the company that hired you will be charge of QR9,000. This is totally illegal, I don't advise it.
Richard, there is one more catch. Even if your employer issues an NOC, but you worked for him less than 2 years, your transfer of sponsorship to the new employer will not be approved. This is now valid even if your new employer is a government organization.
Your new sponsor can request a waiver, but whether or not it will be granted, depends on their connections or political weight.
I though you would have a sensible view. As far as over stuffing and over staffing is concerned, that is really not an issue at my company. In fact, they have a headcount target that they have not yet reached. The shareholders are very well capitalized and a few million here or there is irrelevant to them.
I like my job but would rather work in an environment where I am busy and utilized than just being paid for being part of a headcount.
Thanks for the good advice though. Will feel the situation out.
I though you would have a sensible view. As far as over stuffing and over staffing is concerned, that is really not an issue at my company. In fact, they have a headcount target that they have not yet reached. The shareholders are very well capitalized and a few million here or there is irrelevant to them.
I like my job but would rather work in an environment where I am busy and utilized than just being paid for being part of a headcount.
Thanks for the good advice though. Will feel the situation out.
If you can get your employer to release you with a NOC you are pretty much free to pursue any job offer that comes your way.
Employers, however, are not quite so benevolent. Depends on the situation of your company. Indeed as you say they might transfer you and your colleagues to another division, but is that the case? What's the use of over-stuffing and over-staffing?
Maybe they can send you back but if you get a NOC it means they save on your airfare home and severance pay which you are entitled to.
Feel the situation out.
Good luck.
Are you out there? I suspect you may know about this?
Employers are not obliged to give NOC to their employees when they close the company. They can cancel your visa and ask you to go back to your own country. You have no choice. if they do that you will be barred for 2 years for working in Qatar legelly.
Some sponcers release their employer with NOC's. but it rare cases.
Some lucky people change their job with the consent of the Employer but still keep the sponsership with him while working for an another company. Advantage of this is you can change any no. of jobs at any time. I am one of this:)