Job Discussion Forums

rch3 · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Posts: 73 Location: Taiyuan Shanxi PRC

I would like to know what is the reason we a re issued a FEC and is it my property or the schools?

A lot of FT here in Taiyuan donot keep possesion of this documment............a friend told me it is legally mine and the school has no right to it ...............i know i need it for banking and currency exchange but my school is starting to pressure me for its return...so any advice is welcome
thanks

budd

Shan-Shan · Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 1074 Location: electric pastures

I would ask the school to provide an alternative, and equally valid, form of identification you could carry in lieu of the FEC they so badly want "returned". Note "b", or "2" depending on the language you're reading, states "The Certificate is to be used as an identification card for foreign experts working in China". You could argue that without your FEC, you have no way of proving your legality here should a friendly member of the Public Safety Bureau wave you over to check your status.

I don't know about your case, but my FEC was not issued by my school. The local Bureau of Foreign Affairs (外事办公室) is the issuer (and could very well be in every case). Just check the portion under your photograph to see who issued the FEC and, consequently, to whom it must be returned upon leaving China. Should the school's name be absent, this could be used to argue the case that they have no right to your FEC. That, and the fact that it's your name there above the line indicating "Bearer", not the school's.

rch3 · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Posts: 73 Location: Taiyuan Shanxi PRC

the school is using the second clause as the reason they want it back in case the PSB ask them for my identification..........they tell me that the HR dept needs it........im telling them i will give them a copy of it

under the photo where it says bearer..... i have signed the blank place as on the next page it says bearer s name and it has mine written there.

A sfor the issuing body the school is not the issuer as you r1ightly said but the PSB or im lead to beleave that function is now carried out buy a new department designed for this purpose

jamesmollo · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 276 Location: jilin china

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

The FEC with other paperwork can serve as a way to exchange up to 70% of your paycheck..
other wise the FEC is really not used for much except to show PSB when they want verification of your teaching staff..if it was me I'd just give it to them...
use to be you could supposedly use it for discounts when the country had a two level system of charges..

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

My first school initially held onto my FEC. Then one time I needed it to change currency, so they gave it to me. I NEVER gave it back. They asked many times. I would just tell them that I was going to exchange money and that I will give it back to them after that. Do not give it back, just make an excuse everytime they ask. Its your property, they only want it so they have some power over you.

james s · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 676 Location: Raincity

OGFT · Joined: 24 Jun 2006 Posts: 432

What kind of power will the FEC give to anyone?

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

Although everyone seems to believe the FEC is YOUR property, it is not.
Compare it to a passport: it too is never your own property but that of the issuing national entity. It is an official document that opens doors to other national entities and must not be used for non-approved purposes.

You don't need an FEC unless you want to exchange your RMB into a foreign currency at the Bank of China; as ID it's not of much use. You have got your passport, and inside it, your resident's permit.

The employer is legally bound to return your FEC to the issuing authority. That's why they prefer keeping it in their possession.
For your personal use, you can make a photocopy of it.

vikdk · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 1676

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

vikdk · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 1676

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

Never managed to do that. I have, although often had very clean money in my pocket.

vikdk · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 1676

hairuo · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 473 Location: Somewhere in China

I agree with Steppenwolf. Page 6 of my United States Passport says right on it that it is property of the United States. About 3 or 4 years ago, an Aussie teacher in Hubei had her passport held by the school. The Australian Embassy got involved because it was their official document. Maybe England is different.