Job Discussion Forums

[lostinasia]

As I've scanned the forums and seen questions about things like overstaying visas, working on incorrect visas, and others, it makes me wonder:

Do you really believe it's acceptable to violate the laws of one country - in this case China and should receive no real punishment whatsoever, but of course you know you would panic and steer clear of committing any crime in your own country -- the common panic occurring when you see those flashing red lights in your rear view mirror.

For example of course, something that, in the forum, appears to be so benign as to schedule a trip in country after a visa has expired - when you knew it was expired. Or, working on an improper visa.

The fact is, these acts are crimes - they violate the law of the host country.

How many people would thus willingly and knowingly violate any law in their own country - especially knowing that there is a solid chance of imprisonment of some sort.

Why is it okay - as it often appears to be based on some "explanations" of situations?

[upchuckles]

Like the approach to this question!

[clark.w.griswald]

My short answer is that I believe in respecting the laws of the country that I choose to live in, and if I didn't respect those laws then I would have no right to complain about the failure of others to respect those laws.

Having said that I can see why some foreigners do illegal things here that they would never do back home, and the Chinese are partly to blame for this in my opinion as they kind of leave the door open to these types of abuses.

I think that most of us come from societies where laws are enforced and administered fairly and justly - on the whole. Here in China we all see laws being ignored on a daily basis in full view of those who are charged with enforcing the law. It is easy to think that if the laws are not important enough to those individuals to consider enforcing then we shouldn't worry about them either.

At the end of the day though the law is the law and if you break it knowingly or unknowingly then you personally could be held responsible and face the consequences.

[kungfucowboy83]

i say know the law, know the punishment and the likely hood of gettng caught and punished If you feel the risk is acceptable break the law, if you don't follow the law. but never ever bitch about being punished for reaking a law you choose to break.

case in point, i used to work unarmed security at night sometimes in places where police response time was very slow and it was a bad part of town. so i always stayed in my car and had a pistol in the center console just in case someone attacked me. if caught this could have gotten me about 1 month in jail and a $1000 fine (probaly less since i had no record), an would have gotten me fired. i choose to break the law the risk was worth it to me.

in my city in china, it s pretty safe i take basic precautions at night (walk in well lit areas pay attenion, ect.) the crimials (mostly) don't have guns(nor do the cops) i'm twice the size of most theives, and possesion of a firearm can get you 3 years in a chinese prison, so i choose not to break the law, it's not worth the risk to me.

and remember if you choose to break the law all results are your own fault not your mommy's not the country's, yours.

[william wallace]

Lost in China- hey man, that wasn't a put down...maybe I worded it poorly?
Cheers
Being clear :YEAH, respect the laws as best as your conscience allows.

[jeffinflorida]

I once had a "physical" confrontation with 8 chinese cops at Fuyong. I was fined 400 rmb on the spot for "defacing" the cops.

yes I was physical with them and they with me.

In the USA I would have gotten a year in jail probably...

In my own words I got off easy - $50 usd for a fight with 8 cops and no arrest!

But i learned my lesson and know the limits..

[Brian Caulfield]

The main law that we break is working in places that we shouldn't be working in . Now the Chinese always tell me it is OK . I tell them I am different . I am not Chinese when I break a law people see me they are watching me anyway . What is the point? If you are honest and law abiding you never have to look over your shoulder .

[tw]

Better stop going into any massage parlours or hair salons that don't cut hair if all of you are law-abiding laowais here.