Are You Bound By A New Signed Contract If School Delays Getting Visa-Related Things Ready?

[JJ101]

I have signed a contract for the coming year at the school I work at, but it seems as if they are using delay tactics at every corner in order to face-savingly make it impossible for me to continue (if the paperwork is not done in time I would have to leave the country to make a new visa, because as of tomorrow there will not be enough time with having to go to the city hall, khru supa, immigration etc.).

My question is this: is a work contract legally binding if you are unable to get the necessary documentation to support you working legally (work permit, visa, waiver), or can I simply ask them to cancel the contract since I am not prepared to fork out the cash to travel abroad for their delay?

Cheers,

Jay

[SlyAnimal]

Do they have an early termination penalty clause? If so, then the legal solution is perhaps particularly relevant.

Otherwise, assuming that you are paid monthly, and it is now the end of the month, your salary can't be withheld.

What is "Legal", perhaps isn't the most important thing to consider. As fighting over what's legal and what's not, is time consuming and expensive, regardless of whether you win or lose. Also it'd burn any bridges at that school, which is best avoided (particularly if you've been working there for a while already).

Your best bet, is to discuss the issue with your boss, and try to resolve it. Very politely explain, that as the delay is caused at their end, that they need to cover all of your visa costs (Lao Visa / Bus Tickets / Hotels / Taxis etc). If they refuse, then you can leave, as there's nothing to be done, however at the thought that a delay in paperwork might cost them money (either through your expenses, or the cost/hassle of recruiting a new teacher), then they might start working on their paperwork a bit faster.

I always believe, that your best bet is to resolve your problems with your employer directly, rather than thinking about what's legal / illegal, as it's simply not worth the time and money unless there's a lot of money involved.

[Scott]

The contract may specify the situation with visa and work permit. I know some contracts state that the work permit will be provided by the school and some pay for the visa. If there are regulations in the contract, they may be violating their own contract.

As Sly mentioned, it's a good idea to sit down and talk to someone. There are a lot of places that inept and inefficient and it can sometimes feel like they are out to get you when they simply can't/won't do what is required.

Best of luck.

[WonnabeBiker]

You get a glimps of things to come. Some such b.s. cost me over 5 k last year.

I walked out of a job when I learend they didn't bother with a WP transfer or a proper Visa etc.

Now they hire folks who work on a T-Visa.

(Check out the thread of the guy reporting on life at the IDC-prison)