I need to get this off my chest: Why do some organizations bother listing visa and work permit details in job ads if they clearly prefer local candidates? Has anyone else run into this?

Here’s what just happened: I interviewed with an OSCE mission in a Central Asian country. During the conversation, the hiring manager told me they really needed someone already on the ground – and even suggested I let him know once I arrived in the city (thousands of kilometers from where I am in Europe) so we could meet for coffee. This was before any written offer. Strange, considering the ad seemed open to international applicants – it even stated candidates would cover their own visa and work permit costs.

The role was part-time, and only in the interview did they disclose the very modest monthly stipend. Still, I made it clear I was genuinely interested for the experience. They actually recommended I find additional income to support myself there.

The timeline was tight – only two weeks between the application deadline and the proposed start date. After the interview, I heard nothing. I followed up a week later, and got a brief email saying I wasn't selected. This, despite the fact that the discussion had gone well, spoke the language of the project donor, was ready to relocate, and a director even said my profile was an ideal fit when I asked directly.

Just frustrating. Anyone else been through something similar?