The latest from our HR manager:

From CNAQ HR:

"Although the college itself does not purchase of air tickets [sic] which are nonrefundable/non-rebookable [e.g. Super Value fares], an individual can buy one which has these kind of restrictions. Be aware that there is always a risk when you buy these types of tickets which could leave you 'out of pocket' for the entire purchase price of that ticket.

With this type of ticket, if you are unable to make your flight for any number of reasons including personal or complications arising from exit permit processing, and cannot give at least one day notice prior to departure you may be considered a 'no show'. This ticket is then void and nothing can be done to retrieve any credit for it. The college will not be responsible in such cases and you therefore could suffere a financial set back."

I'm sorry, but this would not fly in a Canadian court of law. The college IS responsible for losses because multiple exit permits are readily available in the state of Qatar, but the college refuses to provide these to its employees.

The solution is simple: we (employees at CNAQ) apply for exit permits every week so that we are always authorized to leave Qatar. In fact - we could apply for these on a daily basis as I beleieve it is possible to hold multiple instances of single exit permits (perhaps someone can confirm this). It would take just ONE refusal/non processing of a permit to open a law suit against CNAQ. I suggest the college starts to recruit additional admin staff now to handle the increase in exit permit applications. Or a lawyer well versed in charter of rights and freedoms issues.