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Post by Secret Agent Jane on Nov 5, 2006 19:52:12 GMT 7
As I am still searching for a new school, I'm coming upon many applications that include a copy of your passport page in the list of information they need. Is this safe? So far, I've not offered the scan of my passport to anyone, even those with offers on the table. Just feels...I dunno. Dangerous.
Also: when I leave, what do I need to get from my employer? I have the visa stamp in my passport (is this the same as a Residence Permit? ). Do I need something else? Someone informed me that I cannot leave the country (which I am in July) if I am not working for the same person I came here to work for. I'm pretty confused. Thoughts?
-Naive in the North
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Post by Raoul Duke on Nov 5, 2006 23:00:10 GMT 7
Dear Naive,
It's OK to send a passport copy or scan. A passport is one case where a copy really doesn't have much value.
And, if you are a foreigner seeking employment, it's reasonable for them to want to reliably verify your identity and immigration status.
There are lots of things to worry about; this is not one of them.
That stamp in your passport may well be a residence permit. The rules are changing...many places have done away with the Z Visa and allow organizations to simply issue the work and residence permits directly. Does, uh, the stamp say "Residence Permit" or some such on it anywhere?
The residence permit is the most important document you have here other than your passport. If you don't know the ins and outs of the residence permit and the process of getting one, PLEASE find out. A lot of info on residence permits has been posted here and should be easily searched up.
As far as I know the story about not being able to leave the country is a lie...pretty sure you're being yanked on this one. Sounds like the tactic of a school that's had a lot of teachers bolt...an attempt to scare (or at least bluff) new teachers away from considering it.
If you plan to go to another job in China, you DO need something from your previous employer. That's a release letter, which basically just states that you are no longer under contract with the school/company that got you your Z visa or residence permit. If you have this, your new employer can easily get you a new work permit and residence permit...no harder for you, usually, than simply renewing an expiring permit. If you don't have a release letter, your new employer can't get you a residence permit. You have to leave the country, come in on a new visa, and start over from square one.
However, to simply leave the country you don't need anything from your employer. Barring something like pending criminal charges, etc., you're pretty much free to leave at any time.
Don't let them bluff you.
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Post by Lotus Eater on Nov 6, 2006 0:58:43 GMT 7
I didn't have a release letter from my previous employer - but my contract had completed and the new employer rang my old employer to a) see if I was a good guy, and b) I guess check about releasing me, but I never ever saw any type of release form etc. But if you have valid passport as far as I can see you can leave the country any time you feel like it - ticket in hand. You can't ask them to pay for your ticket if you haven't completed your contract however. Cut and run doesn't include escape money!!
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Post by Raoul Duke on Nov 6, 2006 17:10:00 GMT 7
Yes, OK, let's make things even fuzzier than they already are.  99.999999999999% of us need a release letter to transfer a residence permit. Trust me on this one.  However, TIFC...the Land of Endless Exceptions.  |
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Post by Lotus Eater on Nov 6, 2006 20:19:31 GMT 7
Sorry Raoul - didn't mean to give bad advice.  But dodgy things do seem to happen to me for some weird reason. |
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Post by Raoul Duke on Nov 7, 2006 23:48:14 GMT 7
Not bad advice...just not typical!
You, my love, are the dictionary definition of "special case", and things do indeed happen to you that don't apply to us mere mortals. :-{)
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