SOPS is right, the bank loan has to be paid off before you get your eosb

Posting to keep on front page....great thread.

Paying for staff travel during 90 day notice period ?
 

Staff Travel during resignation period ?

The standard required notice for resignation for most staff is 30 days, for pilots it is 90 days.
I have I told that during the notice period all staff travel must be paid for in advance at staff travel in HQ.

That's somewhat understandable if you are a 23 years old grade 2 who has just turned in her resignation but for pilots we seem to have to pay for our cat A / C tickets within the 90 day notice period.

Does anyone have experience of this?

Yes Desdi, I had to pay over the desk for tickets. Once you resign, ( I believe) you salary deduction is stopped.

If you want to PM, I'm quite happy to call you, I have many people talking to me at the moment.

When I resigned, I was informed by fleet that I would have to pay for all tickets that were booked on TRIPS. I subsequently discovered that this is wrong!

Salary deduction is still used as the payment process up to 45 days before your departure from EK. After that point you have to pay for your tickets.

As soon as you resign you can no longer book a ticket and get it issued instantaneously, as is often the case. Even before your last 45 days when tickets are still paid for using salary deduction, the ticket request needs to be looked at and approved by someone in staff travel. Therefore you can't book a ticket at the last minute and expect to travel. In fact a window of 3-4 days should be given to allow your ticket to be approved, unless you visit Staff Travel at the ESC and they can approve the request on the spot.

I booked a ticket at the start of my notice period and the status of my ticket showed 'being processed' or similar once I had requested the ticket. I thought that was the point where I needed to go to the ESC with my credit card and pay for my ticket. In the end I didn't need to pay and the ticket request just needed to be approved and it took a matter of seconds.

Also you can use unused ESCs after you leave as well! Worth refreshing yourself on the ESC rules, as you can book up to six sectors per ESC ticket. :ok:

Just as an FYI…

The thing that has my attention these days are the clearance letters and guarantees. I've been envisioning my last day going to the airport to finally leave and being stopped by Customs saying I still owe some absurd amount on some account from 6 years ago or some such nonsense because it wasn't cleared from whatever institution it originated from.

Here's the skinny: On your portal page under "guarantees". You'll see all the things you have to deal with e.g. get letters or some type of clearance. I have an etisalat clearance that still showed 5000 dirhams after having paid it off and finally confirmed it was finished. Having just taken care of it all, I figured there was a delay in the portal page being updated. Nope. It still says 5000 dirhams which I didn't like seeing there so asked and was told this: As long as you have an "end date" on that event, you have officially been cleared from that guarantee.

That was to me, not clear whatsoever but thought I'd pass it along…. Just look for that end date column to have an end date stated.

Kap

Does anybody have experience of leaving while still owning a mortgaged property (which is rented out) in Dubai? In that case you would have to keep a bank account open here.

We are currently going through this and HSBC say they are fine to keep an account open to receive rent and in our case pay service fees.
We wanted to sell but the current crash in house prices that no-one is talking about means we are likely stuck for at least a couple of years with the house rented.
Not ideal.

@Geordie
I believe it depends on witch bank you're dealing with. In my case they forced me to pay back the mortgage before leaving the country. Selling the property was for me not an option that time because of the prize meltdown during that time. I made a deal with my bank at home and sold the it 2014.

Desertweasel, ( and I am not trying to be funny here) have HSBC said they are happy for you to leave the country while you still have a mortgage with them, or they are just happy to keep an account open to receive your rent?

There is a big difference, and knowing Dubai, I would hate to see you end up in a world of hurt.

Interestingly, ( and this information is in regard to NDB bank only, I didn't ask about any other bank) I asked if I can pay a loan out of my provident fund/eosb and the EOSB desk girl told me yes. Apparently they give me the check, then I walk around to NDB who will then deduct the loan amount and then wire the rest to my nominated account. She said EK do not require a clearence letter.

I'm still a bit sceptical, has anyone been told similar/ different.?

I am also lead to believe that a mortgage with some banks, unsure which ones, can remain open even when you leave Dubai.

Disclaimer: all situations vary.

I can't speak for mortgages but I do know someone who has a loan with Mashreq that can be paid off after leaving the UAE.

Just to renew the thread…..

One thing I learned not long ago when leaving Dubai, which I'm surprised has not been mentioned (or else I just missed it!!) is this:

You'll move out of your accommodation usually a few days before your last day and in that time, you'll take your passport to HR for visa cancellation which takes a few days. If you're staying at a hotel your last few nights in Dubai, you NEED your passport to check in!! So… make certain you have copies of that passport and UAE ID card which I had already turned in.

Also… one thing NOT mentioned in the checklist is that we are all entitled to either 2 or 3 nights accommodation the last 2 or 3 nights in Dubai… all on Emirates Airlines thank you very much!!! The hotels are either the Premier Inn or the Holiday Inn next to it. I think it's buried in the staff manual but it's there. No one will mention it to you from the company side of things, but if you need it, its there for you.

K

Kapitan

Good luck with the move, the info and your next career path. I hope you're much happier there than here. When I go, it will have to be a night in the Burj as the last one. Gold leaf everywhere, OTT fixtures and fittings, personal butler, Rolls Royce limo and $200 for a small plate of caviar.

Actually, maybe a few free nights at the Holiday Inn with a take away curry might not be so bad after all!

Adios amigo. ;)

Harry

Thank you very kindly, Harry!!

I can totally see you pulling up in the back seat of a the Rolls in front of the Burj… Cape wrapped around you, wearing a TopHat! It's "You!" :-)

K

Kap.

All the best in your new endeavor!!

Wish I could leave this "paradise" as well..........:uhoh::uhoh:

I can't find that Regulation. Are you sure it's not deducted from your retainer (4000 AED, I think)?

DCS..

When I first requested this, my coordinator said I was indeed entitled to it while not specifically saying I would be charged out of that retention deposit money. My interpretation when saying I'm "entitled" was that it was included and that is what I was also told by several colleagues.

Kap

The cost is not deducted from your Retained money. At least it wasn't 15 months ago.......
7B

Accommodation & Resignation Period
 

Found the reference to the accommodation question in the 'accommodation handbook'. Unfortunately it wouldn't let me cut & paste it.

Accommodation Handbook Ref: Grade 9+ - B1 - 11.2

"The company will bear the cost for a maximum of two nights accommodation ..."



Now here is another point worth debating; the 3 months resignation notice/period! I am aware that this time frame is listed in the employee handbook but here is a copy & paste from the 'UAE Labor Law' code: -


The characteristics of an unlimited term contract on the other hand are as follows:

1. The contract provides a commencement date but no completion date.
2. A contract will be considered “unlimited” if: (i) it is an oral contract; (ii) it is not for a specified period; (iii) it was for a specified period but the parties continued to act on its terms and conditions after its expiry, without any written contract specifying the completion date; (iv) the purpose of the employment is to complete work not estimated within a specified time-frame; or (v) it is by its nature renewable and the contract continues after the work agreed upon is completed.
3. The contract may be terminated by mutual agreement or by either of the parties providing the other with a minimum of 30 days’ notice of termination.
4. The contract may be terminated for a justified cause at any time on giving at least 30 days notice of termination. The notice period may be less for employees working on a daily basis.

The less time I spend in this 'dump' the better..

Thoughts??

Bear in mind that the Labor Law doesn't apply to EK (when it suits them) as the company is classed as a semi-government organisation.

Thanks Rotaiva!

Emma…. Always seems to be the one way street with this airline, doesn't it!! To THEIR benefit only.

K

I'm hearing you about this being Emirates - 'keep discovering'.

However...
The 30 days of annual leave seems to be a sticking point for them, obviously against their wishes, what about this aspect? Certainly interested in other guys & gals thoughts on this matter.

I think it is a case that the precedent hasn't been set as yet (or has it??)

The company owed me over 30 days vacation and I haven't been here 3 yrs yet. I'm sure that pained them to pay me that money.
I didn't take the hotel when I left just because I didn't trust the company from deducting more money from me. I couldn't find a reference either.
So,far it has been only 3 days but I feel so much better already. Like SOPs I'll keep you posted.

After 6 months, I'm still waiting for the retention money to be sent to me, or for an email explaining why it was kept. As usual, HR has not responded to any of my emails requesting an explanation.

How much is it? My sis-in-law left EK in June and is still chasing them for 9 hours of flight pay and they ignore all her emails (she was a purser). She was back in Dubai a few weeks back and paid a visit to EGHQ to see about getting it but the person she needed was conveniently 'away'. She'll probably never see it, but it makes you wonder how many others they do this to and pocket a nice sum along the way!!

If entitled money is being withheld and not paid - this unethical behaviour should be highlighted to potential new joiners as a snapshot of what to expect - assuming that they have not assimilated the 'other stuff'.

It's only $1000 US, but I just wish someone would answer my emails. But then again, I should know better.

Forget HR SOPS or payroll. You should email your ex managers. ie JA or the likes...

Roger that WK. Will try that. Actually I figure if a $ 1000 bucks is the price of getting out, I am happy to pay it. But I will chase it down.

Retention Money
 

Sops et al . I tracked down my retention money via the payroll dept. As far as they are concerned the money has been paid however in my case it was in the form of a cheque which was sitting at Eghq 2 nd floor waiting for collection ! Difficult if you are not in the country ! I suspect given the shocking lack of inter departmental comms that this might be where your money is hiding. Incidentally payroll need to be pushed to investigate this possibility , they are so process driven (sound familiar ) that their initial response is invariably unhelpful . Hope this helps , they will transfer the money to your a/c if asked .

Police Clearance letter
 

Just started the exit dance.

The HR leaving module is a classic. SNM.

Police clearance - whoever posted about the Port Rashid Police. I owe you a beverage. Best bureaucratic experience in Dubai. Totally painless except for Dh 210 each.

BTW don't believe the Police website. the form cannot be filled on-line as it requires an Arabic "reason".
Also the Dubai Mall Police station (LG Parking area) cannot do this for you. it's either Port Rashid or the CID office that other guys have posted.

Congrats on the impending escape L1011!

I found another very convenient location for this… Al Qiyadah Metro Station. It is easy to get to on the Metro from EGHQ with a connection at Union Station to the Etisalat Line.

The police station door (Criminal Investigation) is literally 20 meters from the exit of the metro. Bring passport copy, visa copy and passport photo and 210 dirhams and it will be ready in 3 business days.

Agree… it was one of the most painless things one can do in Dubai bureaucratically speaking. Just be aware though that they will need a company name to put on this document e.g., your next airline etc.

K

And my retention money arrived..so it seems the system does work..eventually!

Police clearance
 

I did the police clearance earlier this year, via the police website, no problem at all. I called the police first, was suggested to use the website instead of coming to the station, was delivered at home 2 days later. Used the 2 nights hotel before leaving, premiere inn, it is paid by EK.

EPC/APC Direct Debit
 

Chaps,

The Pilots Club direct debit is a real pain in the ass to cancel. Requires you to drive all the way to the Fairmont, spiral up into the parking lot, find an office that is not marked and sign a blank form.

And then hope that it actually works as you can't close your bank account unless the direct debit has been cancelled. Typical Dubai, but not acceptable for a Club that is supposed to serve its members.

Evidently all done for the "convenience" (direct quote) of the middle-aged Mums who staff the joint. A standing order would be "too much work".

Wonder why I was a member for all those years. It's just a sales organization for financial "products" these days anyway.

Disappointed founder EPC member.

Maybe Kingpost can give you some feedback on EPC/APC.... After all, I think he really should have chosen another name on pprune... :E
Parking is indeed a real disaster... Sometimes I think it's intentional in order not to have too many visitors....

5star, if it's who I think you're referring to, then yes, he is at the root of a lot of the reasons why I don't subscribe to the EPC ripoff anymore...

What is a good time frame to close the following prior to leaving?

Etisalat home phone, internet and OSN?

Closing bank accounts?

Thanks.

I did OSN and I internet 1 week before I left. But I booked the disconnection date a month before that, if that makes sense.

Bank, give yourself at least a few weeks.