With regard to the report "New steps for transfer of sponsorship lauded" (Aug. 2), I do not see anything new. The process is the same as before. The same documents are required and even old passports are needed despite the fact that all of one's records are found in the national database from the time one entered the Kingdom. If they really want to change the sponsorship regulations then transfers should be linked with the end date of contracts and no NOC should be required. The employee should be able to show his contract expiry date and one month's notice to his current employer along with his acceptance by a new employer. That would constitute a real change in the sponsorship transfer process. Dr. Tariq, Online response We appreciate the Ministry of Labor's steps in streamlining and clarifying the rights of the sponsor and the expat employee. Every professional wants to grow over time but sometimes the opportunities are limited in the company in which he is working. In that case, he cannot take advantage of another opportunity if his sponsor does not allow him to do so. In many instances the sponsor does not even allow an employee who has worked with him for a reasonable length of time to take advantage of another job opportunity. This is not fair professionally and it is a form of exploitation. Expatriate, Online response
