Job Discussion Forums

[Pennypacker1]

Hey guys..

Just wanted to get your opinion about something, have been in Venezuela teaching for an upmarket private school for the past three months on a tourist visa (after being assured before my arrival that obtaining a work visa would be no problem)..

As I am coming up to the end of my legal residency period under the tourist visa I kept pushing my employers as to their intention regards to my visa.. I was informed the other day that a visa could be obtained by them but for a bargain price of only US$1000 of which they generously agreed to pay half... this is no doubt a 'facilitation payment' to a helpful official somewhere in the government.

I realise that it's generally not a problem to work or live in Venezuela without a visa (one native teacher here as been working without a visa for around a year) but I don't seen why I should expose myself to any risk for a company that markets itself solely on its professional image...

Hmmm.. anyone got a spare US$500??

Cheers

[stillnosheep]

Why should your school require you to bribe a govt. official $500 to far a work visa that they assured you before arrival would be no problem to obtain?

They gave you an assurance over three months ago that obtaining a work visa would be no problem. They should obtain one for you.

Then you should quit and post their name on Dave's.

[ls650]

I think a lot depends on how muc trouble YOU could get into if caught working without a visa. In some countries (I think Costa Rica is a good example) the authorities don't pursue it and there is little problem with working illegally. However, here in Mexico, working illegally can earn you a substantial fine and/or a rapid boot out of the country.

[Alitas]

WELCOME TO VENEZUELA. Corruption rules. You either know the right people or you pay them.

I recently sent money to a relative and she basically ws told by the agent in Venezuela that she would have to pay to collect her money, after I paid the agent on this end! I told her to stick to her guns and not pay the bribe; eventually we cancelled the transaction and went a different route!

You play tough or else meet some influential people. In fact, if it is an upscale school, find out who really runs and pays for the place. There is always someone.

oh, it's a cruel game, playing with the corrupt!!!

[Pennypacker1]

Yeah yeah I know.. play the game.. I actually did resolve to situation in a satisfactory way.. played a little hardball.. hehe

No matter what people might say, native speakers are a valuable commodity here in Ctown...

[Alitas]

I am proud of you. A little know-how of Latin rules goes so far.

Now, make some influential friends! Do some favors so you can call them in when you need them next!