Stranded English teacher can’t get on “the list”

[robbioff]

I’m a teacher with a work permit from a well-known language school, stranded in Sri Lanka. My school submitted my application 6 weeks ago, via the MoE. The MoE should supposedly pass my information to the MoFA, and I get on the list (for a Certificate of Entry). I can then try finding flights, booking quarantine etc...My problem is that my name hasn’t been put on the list, and I don’t know why. Any thoughts or suggestions  on why I’m not on the list, or how to proceed, would be appreciated.

[ChaiyaTH]

Who would you think that knows more? Us or them?

[ubonjoe]

As far as i know you have to the application for a certificate of entry at the embassy yourself.

I am not aware of the Ministry of Education subming names to the MFA.

Do you have a valid work permit and a non-b visa or a valid re-entry permit for a extension of stay based upon teaching?

Edit

See these PDF and  JPG files from this page on the embassy website. 

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org/en/content/118715-entry-request-for-thailand-for-non-thai-nationals-holding-a-work-permit?page=5d7d051f15e39c0cf800625e&menu=5d7d051f15e39c0cf800625f

 

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/nrpgTpGLMX/migrate_directory/news-20200607-143757-857744.pdf

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/nrpgTpGLMX/migrate_directory/news-20200619-151742-802778.jpg

 

[robbioff]

16 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

As far as i know you have to the application for a certificate of entry at the embassy yourself.

I am not aware of the Ministry of Education subming names to the MFA.

Do you have a valid work permit and a non-b visa or a valid re-entry permit for a extension of stay based upon teaching?

Edit

See these PDF and  JPG files from this page on the embassy website. 

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org/en/content/118715-entry-request-for-thailand-for-non-thai-nationals-holding-a-work-permit?page=5d7d051f15e39c0cf800625e&menu=5d7d051f15e39c0cf800625f

 

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/nrpgTpGLMX/migrate_directory/news-20200607-143757-857744.pdf

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/nrpgTpGLMX/migrate_directory/news-20200619-151742-802778.jpg

 

Thanks Joe. I’ll read the links. I have a valid work permit, non-B visa and reentry permit.  I have been talking to the Thai Embassy in Colombo on Facebook. They keep checking the list of teachers allowed back (a new one comes out every 10 days or so apparently) and my name hasn’t appeared. 

[richard_smith237]

Can you apply to the Embassy itself for the Certificate of Entry ?

 

In most (all?) countries the current process is to apply directly to the Embassy for the Certificate of Entry and a repatriation flight. 

 

[robbioff]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Can you apply to the Embassy itself for the Certificate of Entry ?

 

In most (all?) countries the current process is to apply directly to the Embassy for the Certificate of Entry and a repatriation flight. 

 

I did that first, Richard. They then told me there was a “list”, and my language school needed to make an application to get me on it, which they did about 6 weeks ago. Now whenever I ask, I am told “Sorry, you’re still not on the list.” 

[oompie69]

There is a list system in place. That's for sure. Exactly how it works, I have no idea. But my school had to do whatever they did to get me on the list. I am on it but many other from my country are not, and it has nothing to do with where you teach as some teachers were at government schools, some at language schools and so on.

Tricky business I suppose as you can't really get pushy with your employer. 

Some schools might even be dragging the story out so that teachers only start next semester.

[robbioff]

On 9/7/2020 at 6:14 PM, oompie69 said:

There is a list system in place. That's for sure. Exactly how it works, I have no idea. But my school had to do whatever they did to get me on the list. I am on it but many other from my country are not, and it has nothing to do with where you teach as some teachers were at government schools, some at language schools and so on.

Tricky business I suppose as you can't really get pushy with your employer. 

Some schools might even be dragging the story out so that teachers only start next semester.

Thanks Oompie. From my other half’s school: international and government schools are being given priority (although this was never made public). When they’re done they should open up to private and language schools...

[CrunchWrapSupreme]

I know of a school who's already had Filipinos flown in, quarantined, then made ready for work. Yet the same school still has Westerners stuck in the neighboring countries. Factoring in this situation is likely their standing as ASEAN members, and Thailand's agreements with that country. There's also the fact the Filipinos happily receive significantly smaller salaries.