Job Discussion Forums

maotouying · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 119 Location: My Chair In China

Hi

I been in the Shijiazhuang area about 5 years. Now I am hearing from the locals a mixed message.

My school I'm finishing with tell me they cannot issue a new contract.

I have inquired with a few schools in this city that demand some experience then they tell me the Foreign Affairs Ministry of this city are stating that we are limited to the amount of years we can stay.

Very confusing because my school's FAO is saying this is not true..other schools FAO.

First i have heard of it, and I know a few teachers around that have been here for more than 8 years.

What is anyones take on this. Is it rumor, fact or fiction or is it just regional/provincial?

Thanks

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

some people on this forum will tell you that the school will enforce some obscure law that states a foreigner can only teach at one place (or in this country) for five years, only if they want to get rid of the person for some reason.

otherwise, i've never heard of it.

Renegade_o_Funk · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 125

ttorriel · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 193

This topic is discussed in MANY other threads

Here is some additional information for you to read

http://middlekingdomlife.com/wp/latest_news/safea-foreign-teachers-and-chinese-boxes/

maotouying · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 119 Location: My Chair In China

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

I ran into the 5 year rule with a new FAO. Our relationship was not good in the beginning, at least not from either of our perspectives. The reasoning, which is sound, is that an expert out of his own country for 5 years looses touch with new developments in his field of expertise.

I doubt that this was ever intended for English teachers.

Lately the FAO has been telling me that he can use his guanxi to exempt me from the rule. FAOs like this are toxic but sometimes can't be avoided. I'll just keep on doing what I do. When the party is over, it's over.

What I think happens in these cases is that an FAO with free times starts reading the rules, laws, and so forth that apply to FTs. When he/she notices the 5 year law, they want to enforce it in order to be "good" little puppets. More sensible FAOs realize it'a all nonsense. If you are hearing about the 5 year rule, it's either because your FAO is new, looking for a reason to fire you, or perhaps, just plain old stupid.

It may be that in some provinces, such as Henan, which are becoming more restrictive regarding FTs, the provincial FAO office is the one enforcing it as part of an overall attack on FTs.

Angel46 · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 51 Location: Hangzhou

Supposedly such a 5-year rule does exist. Various posters have encountered this rule in the past, but that's usually when a school wants an excuse to get rid of them.

However, it looks like various provinces are starting to enforce the 5-year rule this year. My FAO picked up my Visa two weeks ago and learned from the officer there that Zhejiang Province (I am in Hangzhou) is starting to enforce this rule. She told me that this will be the last time they can renew my Work Visa (Residence Permit) because my 5 years are up next year.

To further support her announcement, another teacher who I am familiar with, was denied his work visa this year. He has lived in China for many years, married and has a family here! China is his home now. Needless to say, he was devastated! His plan is to return to his native country when his Visa expires and explore whatever avenues are open to him so he can return to China asap.

My advice to everyone out there is to make sure you have PLAN "B" ready to put into effect if your employer has to enact the 5-year rule next year. Not every province/city is enforcing this rule yet, but it's definitely coming! Keep your eyes open - China's rules change on a daily basis. You never know what to expect.