I joined a new company last month and as per their instructions I got the release papers from my old company. I submitted my release papers and passport to the new company for them to start processing my transfer. Now, my new company is having some problems in Shoun (Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour) and thus cannot start the transfer! My residence is about to expire on Oct 20, 2012. I requested my new company to return the passport so that I can extend my residency for one month (my old company has agreed to do so). But the new company is refusing to give me my passport and I fear my residence will expire. Please advise what to do in advance.

Name withheld
Answer: You must get your residence extended, even temporarily, once it expires you will be in violation of the Labor Law and could be arrested if caught by the police. Both the companies can get you temporary residence (Article 14), so ask your new company to do it and if it doesn’t you must get your passport and ask your old firm to get the residence extended temporarily.