Job Discussion Forums

[mark_in_saigon]

[sg9015]

I read it as with the right connections, you can get anyone a WP regardless of their qualifications. So, if you can do that, why pay extra for the people with the right qualifications?

[mark_in_saigon]

I guess that is one way it can be explained. Not even sure who we are saying is connected, the potential teacher, or the school. I would think if a teacher with minimal qualifications would be willing to work for less, that would be reason enough for a school to give him/her a work permit. On the other hand, if the same teacher had "connections", then he might get the permit based on that. So I am unclear if we are saying he has to be connected, (or is associated with a school that is connected), or willing to work for less, or both (or is it all three?). I don't doubt that this stuff is happening, I just wish it was a little more clear about what teachers are supposed to do and what the results are supposed to be. Personally, I think the government is using the visa issue as one tool in their social policy management. I do not totally disagree with the concept either (whether or not that is what is really happening). It might be nice to be a little more open and transparent about what results they are trying to achieve.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

If you have a personal agenda that centers around putting down this board and proceed to use this board to put down this board, you will be gone just as fast as we observe it. This has just happened regarding one member who is now an ex-member.

We do try to provide a service to our members and most members appreciate what we do to insure that civil and informative discussions are able to take place here free of the trolls and flamers that populate many other boards.

If you happen to disagree with the way we do things, please find a site more to your liking as you are not really wanted here and will not last that long, anyway.

[Green Acres]

It is true that some "schools" who have good government connections are able to get work permits and visas for their "teachers", while other schools who are outside the sphere of government appreciation and influence are having a tough time getting visas and work permits for their qualified teachers. Remember, most schools were established with the consent and support of the MoET (government), so they share a "special" relationship.

To think that Vietnam's social policy, if it even existed, is at all fair or reasonable, is a misconception. You may think that someone is not qualified to teach, and you may be correct -- however, this is not the intent of current immigration efforts. This is a land where viet-kyu talking on the radio in a small provence are summarily shot when the message is deemed anti-government. Soft money has been going to their coffers for more than 15 years and now they are on some self-serving crusade to make themselves look accountable -- as if they have some kind of standard other than self preservation and complete control. They are also waiting to see how many foreigners buck up and pay the higher fees. They won't change anything, should the expat community cave in, and in fact, will push the gauntlet further still.

Why do you think so many visitors never return? Their concept at the border is much different than say, Thailand, which doesn't even ask for a visa from many travelers. They know you will enjoy your stay and come back the next time you can. The vietnamese government know that you will not come back, and they don't really care. This is evident in almost everything that they do, needless to say, their current immigration stance (for it is not a policy).

Also to remember, that some of these rules were created to stop the flow of Chinese and Korean business people who have been avoiding taxation for many years. I would not be surprised to see a link between foreign teachers who have been denied visas because their names don't come up on any tax files, despite having lived in the country for 5 or more years.

Another link I think is worth consideration is the reason some schools are given better treatment with respect to their employees. Could it be that the government is in cohorts with a certain segment of the ESL market, and is using their influence to hinder other market players? As well, why should any market force dictate that a western-looking teacher receive a higher salary than a Vietnamese teacher? In a way, the government's position is an attempt to reinforce the legitimacy of Vietnamese institutions and professionals. They could not take such a stance 15 years ago, because the numbers of professionals were severely lacking. Today, however, they have reached a tipping point and are becoming more competitive in employment. Salaries may not be increasing, and in fact show a relative decrease. What is more, is that HR departments are being more picky and selective of potential recruits.

[just noel]

[doublea71]