Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cmb]

Hey guys I need some help here.

I applied to GOE and was accepted for a November position. I was working with KIRS. After I was accepted my recruiter gave me wrong information about what documents they require ( aka I have my masters degree apostilled and he said that would be fine but they also wanted bachelors degree which I would have to re-order from my undergrad and it would take too long to get) He made it clear that the document would be necessary. I at one point was going to mail the documents, however when I heard about the new requirement obviously did not. I also made no " I accept" statements.

So i tried to get the bachelors degree document....Then I sent him several emails attempting to clarify and he didn't respond for a week. I assumed I was no longer eligible.

I then went to email him to tell him I was going to accept an offer elsewhere and he sends me all these angry emails that I cannot withdraw and that now they don't need the bachelors degree copy and if I don't stay with GOE I cannot teach in Korea for a year. He says he already contacted the Korean Immigration Service and they are processing my visa!He said some random thing about a PLEDGE. This is all very stressful, any advice here?

I don't want to accept the GOE offer anymore, but am unsure how to move forward. It seems that he is angry and trying to bully me into staying with GOE but maybe I am wrong?

[goat]

I believe documents are required to begin processing for the visa. If you haven't sent any documents you should be clear to do as you please. This is my understanding of the situation.

tompatz is one of the experts on this type of thing. Hopefully, he will come along with an answer.

[Foo_Fighters_Dave]

Did you sign a contract? I was under the impression that once you sign a contract and have the documents ready/ processed that you are stuck with them. However I could be wrong.

[gerald.in.korea]

The recruiter and the school are two very different "animals", really the recruiter is on the hook to the school and he is putting the pressure forward. As for not accepting, really you are not a valid hire.

The truth is you cannot accept the position in good faith because your paperwork will not qualify you for the VISA. When Foreign Workers come to Korea and the wrong VISA type is issued THEY and the Employer are both in the same degree of violation of the Labor Standards Act AND the Immigration Act.

The Employers will pay fines, but the foreign workers will pay fines, face and exit order and a 1 -5 year re-entry ban.

The Recruiter does not have any liability AT ALL in the event the "paperwork" is fudged, only you and the school will face the consequences.

If you cannot address the issue directly with the HR director of the School, then write an email to the Recruiter really for your own records in the event the issue every comes up with any other potential employer or recruiter or the school that is offering you the job.