I  have been working for eight years on the same sponsor’s govt project contracts. Now I have a good offer from another company but my company has refused to give me a release. So can I get a release from the Shoun if I file a complaint? My visa # is Article 18. My contract with the company has also expired. So I don’t need to renew it — so no need of three months notice, right?

Name withheld

Answer: Regardless of the fact that your contract has expired, you need to give a 3-month notice, unless there is something else mentioned in your contract.
After 5 years service you can transfer from a government project to another company with a release from your firm but in your case as the firm is not releasing you, it is better to file a complaint with Shoun (Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour). You should be able to get the release sanctioned by the ministry.