Post by Raoul Duke on Aug 28, 2004 0:24:27 GMT 7
Been talking about this a lot in other places...needs to be here, too.
Just follow one simple rule:
NEVER SURRENDER YOUR DOCUMENTS TO A SCHOOL except to acquire or update them.
Don't fall for any "safekeeping" BS...this is done solely to render you helpless. It's not even legal...you are supposed to be able to produce your passport when requested. You're technically required under Chinese law to carry your Residence Permit at all times (although almost no one actually does this). You'll need your Foreign Expert Certificate to exchange money...at least until you become savvy enough to forego this excruciating process and just use the black market like everyone else. Without your passport and Residence Permit, you won't even be able to check into a hotel if you travel.
You'll have to surrender your passport to the police (probably through someone at your school) in order to get your Residence Permit and FEC, or to renew these documents and/or your visa. This is necessary and reasonable. But once these things are processed, don't fool around. Don't even teach a class until all of your personal documents are safely back in your kung fu grip. Don't sign a contract with anyone who requires this, and firmly and flatly refuse any requests to let them keep your documents. If anyone holds these documents against your will, stop teaching, immediately contact your nearest Consulate for help, and get out of that school ASAP. Make a xerox copy of your documents- do this yourself- and give them to the school. Nothing more.
Again: schools only hold your documents so that they can force you to take whatever swindles and abuse they choose to dish out. Never, ever let yourself be put in that position. Schools who won't swindle and abuse you (if there indeed are any) won't ask to hold your documents, either.
Just follow one simple rule:
NEVER SURRENDER YOUR DOCUMENTS TO A SCHOOL except to acquire or update them.
Don't fall for any "safekeeping" BS...this is done solely to render you helpless. It's not even legal...you are supposed to be able to produce your passport when requested. You're technically required under Chinese law to carry your Residence Permit at all times (although almost no one actually does this). You'll need your Foreign Expert Certificate to exchange money...at least until you become savvy enough to forego this excruciating process and just use the black market like everyone else. Without your passport and Residence Permit, you won't even be able to check into a hotel if you travel.
You'll have to surrender your passport to the police (probably through someone at your school) in order to get your Residence Permit and FEC, or to renew these documents and/or your visa. This is necessary and reasonable. But once these things are processed, don't fool around. Don't even teach a class until all of your personal documents are safely back in your kung fu grip. Don't sign a contract with anyone who requires this, and firmly and flatly refuse any requests to let them keep your documents. If anyone holds these documents against your will, stop teaching, immediately contact your nearest Consulate for help, and get out of that school ASAP. Make a xerox copy of your documents- do this yourself- and give them to the school. Nothing more.
Again: schools only hold your documents so that they can force you to take whatever swindles and abuse they choose to dish out. Never, ever let yourself be put in that position. Schools who won't swindle and abuse you (if there indeed are any) won't ask to hold your documents, either.