What are the minimum quals/experience to work in the Afghan?

[millwall ken]

Hi all,
Can anyone please tell me what are the minimum quals and experience that a sparkie would need to work in Afghanistan? Also what sort of things would bar you from working there, ie criminal convictions, that sort of thing. Also how long is the vetting process, what sort of references you would need, etc. Is it worth it for the money, and can you expect to be fornicated by the Taxman on your return. As much info, or a nod in the right direction would be most appreciated fellas.

 

[Baconhead]

I'd say 17th edition, C&G 2391,Testing experiance,industrial background on various types of systems and a few years doing.

 

[Engineer54]

To stay out of the Tax man's scope, you need to be outside of the UK for 12 months. You are however allowed i think it's now 60 days within that year back on UK soil ...so to speak.

That's what it used to be anyway, others like Malcolm who is working in Saudi, but still based in UK will know about any changes to the above conditions...

 

[Geordie Spark]

I'd say 17th edition, C&G 2391,Testing experience,industrial background on various types of systems and a few years doing.

A working knowledge of the Kalashnikov AK47 & anti-personnel mines may be useful too.

 

[Knobhead]

A working knowledge of the Kalashnikov AK47 & anti-personnel mines may be useful too.

That’s what electrician’s mates are for.

Seriously Ken things can’t be that bad?

 

[malcolmsanford]

You can as an individual break U.K. residence, if they leave the U.K. under a contract of full-time employment abroad, without severing links with the U.K. provided the period of full-time employment abroad covers a complete tax year and they do not return to the U.K. for an average of 91 days or more per tax year or 183 days in any one tax year.I think this 183 day rule is calculated over a 4 yrs time frame.

The biggest problem for me was I came back to Saudi May 2010 and so my complete tax year will be April 2011 to April 2012, well that is how I read it. So lads going out now in say Dec 2011 their tax year will be April 2012 to April 2013, so the first 4 months IMO don't count, so you have to be careful, again that is my take on it, I may be wrong.

 

[ian.settle1]

You can as an individual break U.K. residence, if they leave the U.K. under a contract of full-time employment abroad, without severing links with the U.K. provided the period of full-time employment abroad covers a complete tax year and they do not return to the U.K. for an average of 91 days or more per tax year or 183 days in any one tax year.I think this 183 day rule is calculated over a 4 yrs time frame.

The biggest problem for me was I came back to Saudi May 2010 and so my complete tax year will be April 2011 to April 2012, well that is how I read it. So lads going out now in say Dec 2011 their tax year will be April 2012 to April 2013, so the first 4 months IMO don't count, so you have to be careful, again that is my take on it, I may be wrong.

I have read somewhere as well it is no longer any 12 month period out of the country but has to be a complete financial tax year.

 

[poppypiesdad]

17th edition , maybe 2391 , pat testing , Previous military experience , ability to function in BASIC conditions,

let you know how my interview goes

jamie

 

[clicon357]

Add in the paper the other day for Sparks to work in NZ rebuilding after the Christchurch earthquake. Beer better and less IEDs!

 

[Davey345]

Yes i replied to that advert about NZ and got sent various emails back asking me to apply to th UK agencies working abroad i was given a list of such agencies so will be applying in the new year.

 

[trev]

Can you PM me the list please Davey