With effect from March 1st contracted teachers who wish to travel out of the country no longer have to provide a transport/title or guarantor.
According to a Memorandum issued by Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain, with immediate effect all contracted teachers whether travelling or not must request a waiver letter from the Human Resources Department of the Ministry of Education to travel without restriction. Requests can be made in person or via email at hr@moe.gov.gy.
“Henceforth, transport/title, cash or guarantor are no longer required. On receiving the waiver letter, the teacher must submit same to the Immigration Department (GPO Building in Georgetown) to have it signed and stamped. This waiver letter will allow the teacher to travel out of Guyana during the duration of his or her contract”, the Memorandum said.
It said that teachers in possession of the waiver letter still have to adhere to the previously defined guidelines when travelling.
-Teachers must advise their Department of Education of their intention to travel, their departure date, and their resumption date at least 10 days before they travel.
-Departments of Education must communicate their decision to the teacher within five days after receipt of the application.
-If a teacher is unable to resume duty as approved because of unforeseen circumstances, the teacher must communicate in writing prior to the date of resumption.
-Any teacher who does not return within the stipulated time and does not advise in writing prior to the date of resumption will have his or her salary withheld and a deduction will be made for unauthorized absence.
-Headteachers are required to notify the Department of Education within three working days of the non-resumption of teachers who were granted permission to travel.
Previously, contracted teachers were required to apply for permission to leave the country at least six weeks before travel. In addition they had to provide a transport/title, cash or guarantor who had to be a senior teacher above the age of 45 and with at least three years of service remaining. The ministry said that there were instances where teachers found it difficult to meet the requirements.
