ExpatWomen Confession:
Dear EW Girlfriend,
I am 53, divorced with grown children. I am a teacher by training and 2 years ago decided that life is too short and picked up and moved to Africa to teach English to underprivileged children here. I absolutely love what I do and could not feel more valuable or significant in helping these darling children who are so eager to learn. My problem is that now I am at retirement age, the government will not renew my visa and I am not allowed to stay here. I am devastated and heart broken. I am wondering if you can offer any advice?
KP
ExpatWomen Girlfriend:
Dear KP,
What a wonderful thing to do and I can understand your disappointment and frustration at visa regulations bringing this opportunity to an end. Sometimes, it is not until you live abroad that you understand just how significant your passport, visa requirements and the political connections between countries can be, unfortunately.
However, as you are learning, whatever the circumstances and country, it is absolutely imperative that you are continually aware of the visa regulations, restrictions and requirements pertaining to your host country and your passport citizenship at all times. Be aware too, that these may change overnight. It is important to keep abreast of these changes so that you do not find yourself unable to transfer your money out of the country, liable for multiple taxations or any one of a whole host of other problems.
In terms of your visa, firstly, have you spoken to your embassy or consulate about the visa regulations and if there is any way around the current visa restrictions that you are facing? They may be able to suggest a different visa of shorter duration for example or be in the know of some new laws that are coming into play soon. They may also be willing and/or able to write to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a special exemption.
Secondly, do you have friends who may be able to sponsor you, via a visa from their (or their employer's) company?
Thirdly, if the school is government-run, have you checked if your visa falls under different regulations than the private sector and a visa from the latter may extend past the quoted retirement age?
Fourthly, in certain countries, things are done somewhat differently and it might be an idea for you to talk to a reputable, local immigration agent, to see if in fact, where there is a will there is a way. Embassies and consulates often keep a list of reputable immigration agents, so if you do not know who to approach, try talking to your embassy or consulate first.
If all else fails, have you looked into the visa situation in other countries where you may like to extend your teaching adventure? Each country is very different with regards to visas and work permits and it maybe that either another African country or somewhere totally different has a more lenient view on age and grant you a visa. Perhaps your current school could even help connect you to an educational institution elsewhere?
If this is unacceptable, or not an option, it may be that you need to cherish the time you spent teaching in Africa and return to your home country... at least until you decide what to do next.
This is called an 'unplanned repatriation' – very common amongst military families and, due to the global economic crisis of late, amongst the families of finance (and other) experts who have been unexpectedly repatriated.
Unplanned repatriations carry with them the potential to be much more emotionally disruptive than a normal repatriation. In addition to the challenges returning to your home country can present, be prepared that your visa situation may provoke an additional sense of loss within you, as well as feelings of powerlessness, sadness, depression and grief. Reconciliation and grief are an important part of the repatriation process and it is important that if/when you leave, you take time to say goodbye to people and places properly, plus allow yourself time to grieve once you return home.
If/when you return home, remember that opportunities and connections with your host country/school do not have to cease. Have you thought about doing something to help them out from home? Could you look into establishing a charitable organisation to help the school and its children out financially? Could you spend a month or two (depending on the tourist visa situation) at the school conducting a special programme such as organising a camp, or intensive language course or something that the school administrators would like help with? Could you set up a website to help raise awareness of the area and the school? Could you contribute to other local charities that could restore in you that sense of feeling valuable and significant to the community?
If you think that you will miss the travel opportunities in Africa, remember that a tourist visa should allow you access to most countries in the future, so leaving Africa now does not mean that you can never travel and experience life abroad again.
If it is the social aspect of working abroad in the African school that you will miss, think about connecting online with like-minded, community contributors such as yourself – which is easier and easier to do these days via the internet, blogs, social media and online communities. Many a friendship has been made online – enriching both your life and lives around you.
Finally, commendations on your great work. The world could do with more people like you! I hope that wherever you live, you find a way to continue contributing to the community and in turn, experiencing that inner joy and sense of reward that accompanies your acts of giving.
ExpatWomen Girlfriend
June 2009
