Job Discussion Forums

ShapeSphere · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 386

These subjects have been covered before, so if it's old or boring to you, then stop reading now. But it's just a timely reminder, and it may generate some confirmation of the facts as well. And I have a question at the end.

Just a reminder, that if you move flat (apartment) you must inform the PSB of your new residence within 24 hours. I didn't, but to cut a long story short, the problem was solved by the owner of my flat last week. The PSB were checking on the buildings and so the problem has only recently transpired. He's an old man (ex-army) who's been pretty good and helpful. He likes my girlfriend in that way old men do, so as long as she charms him but doesn't give him a bl*wjob, that's fine by me. He made a phone call and got it all sorted. The PSB lectured my girlfriend that really a foreigner should know all the laws of China. That's cute coming from a police force that's the most corrupt ever and never enforces any laws, unless they get personal gain.

This 24 hours notice period, may vary in different areas or be false, but here in the north it's real. Experts may have other ideas. Let's hear the facts.

I really should have known this before, but probably forgot at some point, however the school could have told me as they arranged my visa, etc., in early November 2004. I have had my own rented flat that is independent from any school, but they gave me money for it. Prefer it that way - it's much better not to be under their control.

Anyway, I left this school in mid-November 2004, after negotiations over a salary increase got nowhere. YES - they helped me with the visa, but they have to do that and my contract had officially expired mid-November - so I was under no contractual obligation to stay and I did NOT do a runner. They weren't happy and didn't give me a letter of release.

Somebody once wrote that they have to give you a letter by law. I'm not sure about that. How can I enforce it? Go to the PSB and bribe them? Or just tell them I don't work at the school?

I have other work - writing & editing - so money's not a problem and I don't need the letter yet. Could always go to HK for a new visa, but there must be an easier way to get this letter. Any info would be appreciated.

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

I will second your comment on the 24 hour rule. There is also a 50yuan per day fine (max 10 days 500 yuan) for not notifying the PSB of your change of address. In my case I was living next to the local PSB for maybe 2 weeks before a police man stopped me in the street in told me that I should register.

I didn't have my passport, resident permit etc at the time. I explained this and he told me "no problem, just come in when you get them". I was lucky in this instance.

Fact is you should register at your local PSB. Take with you your passport, resident permit and 2 photos. What is it with China and passport photos?? Soon we will need a photo to use the WC!!!

burnsie · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 489 Location: Beijing

Yes, also vouch for that. I didn't do it for two months and then when I did I got an official warning. Had to write a confession in Chinese which I had no idea what I was writing and sign it. This was at the local police station. I didn't get fined though which was lucky.

If you come and live at the school then you usually don't have to worry about it but when you move outside then registration is required.

ShapeSphere · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 386

I'm pleased that we've established the 24 hours period for change of address. But how does one obtain a letter of release if a school is behaving with its usual lack of professionalism? And I repeat that my contract had expired, so I did not do a runner.

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

I had a problem obtaining the completion letter once, but in my case I went to Hongkong. This meant that I no longer required one. The letter of release is only relevant if you intend to extend your residence permit and continue working with another school.

Have you thought about taking a weekend trip out of the country?

ShapeSphere · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 386

Going to HK is no problem, I've been there for a holiday and like the place a lot. And of course having my own visa means no longer being tied to a school. I may well do that as have the money now.

I have plenty of time before the visa runs out, so I am not worried, it's just I would like the school to give me the letter. It's a matter of principle. But principles are thin on the ground here. I will check with some local expats and see what they say.

Failing that I'll go back to the school, headbutt the Chinese boss and set fire to his hair. Actually not such a good idea, he's too short, I'd have to get on my knees to headbutt him.

limits601 · Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 7:56 am Post subject:

How easy is it to get a new visa

Is it just cross into Hong Kong, they cancel your visa, then you go over the chinese embassy and apply for a new one, get a hotel, the next day, your visa is rdy and then you enter back into China ?

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

When I went, I went to the Embassy at 10am, my visa was done by 11am. It cost me 700HKD, 400 of that was for the 'same day service'.

It really is that easy.

limits601 · Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:53 pm Post subject:

wow

thats pretty quick. I would have to get same day service also. Was there a big line up ?