Exit visa

I got my exit visa today, so it looks like we are all set for the trip. For those unfamiliar with the exit visa, it is basically a permit that allows you to leave the country.

See, as a resident here, your exodus must be approved by your "sponsor," which is usually your employer. If your sponsor -- for whatever reason -- doesn't approve you leaving the country, then you are doomed to stay here forever.

Although I understand that it is a way to control the flow of expatriates coming and going here, I still find the idea of taking a permit to leave a bit hard to swallow!