|
Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
powerrose
Joined: 14 Apr 2003
Posts: 119
Location: Shenzhen, China
|
 Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 4:03 pm Post subject: Doing Visa/Health Check on you own |
 |
|
Hi Guys,
How common is it for a company to send an employee to get their health check and visa on their own (i.e., going to the health check office without a chinese speaker, sorting the paperwork on your own, etc)? My work just took me to the clinic and the government office with one of their employees and it seemed quite complicated to me.
My friend just got a job here and is being asked to do it on her own, and they didn't tell her she needed photos, for instance. Is it quite easy to do on your own or is it reasonable to ask for the company to get involved? How many people have their schools pay for the health check and visa?
Thanks!  |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
rogerwilco
Joined: 10 Jun 2010
Posts: 1549
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 4:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
In the past schools have typically paid all visa expenses incurred inside China. Now, it seems as though more schools are getting cheap(er), and trying to ask the foreigner to pay for more of the expenses.
I did go for my health check on my own this year, but I have been here for several years.
To ask a newbie to try and do everything on her own, and pay for it herself, seems indicative of the lack of care and concern the company shows for your friend. Seems as though your friend signed on with a really crappy company.
I predict many more hassles for your friend now and in the future with this company. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
shoulderdocca
Joined: 04 Jun 2011
Posts: 16
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 2:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm finding or believing that many employers are doing the same thing. I will never fall to paying visa, resident permit, foreign expert certificate, physical exam, etc. (though that's about all). Employers need to do this.
Those that tell you to just go on your own are showing their cowardly way of being too afraid to tell you that YOU have to pay for the particular thing you are doing. They just send you there knowing you probably won't ask for cash. This is their cowardly way - no guts to tell you up front, face the confrontation of cash, etc.
Deal with it ... don't let them do it.
"assist you" in getting your work credentials likely means they will help a little by giving you the documents, but don't want to pay.
An employer that won't send you with a Chinese speaking helper to do the physical exam or other things is a bad sign on part of the employer.
Processes and facilities are widely different, but you should go with someone to get it done.
Simply demand it from them rather than sit idly by asking us. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
GuestBob
Joined: 18 Jun 2011
Posts: 270
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
| shoulderdocca wrote: |
Simply demand it from them rather than sit idly by asking us. |
Don't do this.
There is a remarkably low tolerance for foot stamping in China and if it gets you anywhere then it will cost you a great deal more in the long term. This is an excellent way to make your life difficult.
Suck it up, do the medical (I had to pay for mine and do it without a Chinese speaker, but my FAO was great and very helpful otherwise), and if you experience problems then let them know how much you would have appreciated their help.
Paying for it might suck a bit but you should be able to do it by yourself. Take you mobile phone, and the number of the FAO, and if you get really stuck then give them a ring and ask them to speak to the medical staff for you.
If they start to ask you to pay for things which you shouldn't have to pay for, then sit down with the FAO and ask them to "clarify" the contract. Play the part of a worried and confused foreigner rather than one who is angrily insisting on their "rights". |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
The Great Wall of Whiner
Joined: 29 Jan 2003
Posts: 4946
Location: Blabbing
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:07 am Post subject: |
|
|
| rogerwilco wrote: |
| In the past schools have typically paid all visa expenses incurred inside China. Now, it seems as though more schools are getting cheap(er), and trying to ask the foreigner to pay for more of the expenses. |
True.
| Quote: |
| To ask a newbie to try and do everything on her own, and pay for it herself, seems indicative of the lack of care and concern the company shows for your friend. Seems as though your friend signed on with a really crappy company. |
Double true.
| Quote: |
| I predict many more hassles for your friend now and in the future with this company. |
I won't make any predictions, but it seems that if the school can't/won't help their own employee do something that can be difficult here for a non-Chinese speaker, they do not value their teacher very much.
Personally, I would take it as a warning sign and say "Thanks for the job offer, but I do not feel so valued as a member of your team. I withdraw my name at this time."
Millions of jobs out there.
Just my opinion. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
GuestBob
Joined: 18 Jun 2011
Posts: 270
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 5:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| The Great Wall of Whiner wrote: |
I won't make any predictions, but it seems that if the school can't/won't help their own employee do something that can be difficult here for a non-Chinese speaker, they do not value their teacher very much.
|
I accept your point of view but personally, I didn't find doing the medical on my tod too tricky - certainly no more so than buying a train ticket or a mobile phone.
I mean, my old Uni. in the UK used to give no physical assistance to International students when it came to registering with the police. Now, I am aware that China is a different kettle of fish - if a Chinese kid with a student card, a passport and and a confused expression walks into a UK police station they will register his address and give him a cup of tea, whilst in China there will only be blank stares for the crazy lost laowai. However, a line has to be drawn somewhere - OP, take a phrase book and go for it. If you fail then the school will have to send someone with you next time. Are there other foreigners going at the same time as you?
Not paying for it is a bigger warning sign I suppose.
OP, have the school said they will help you open a bank account? Maybe this is just a blind spot.
[EDIT] Wall of Whiner - I am not saying your advice isn't any good, I am sure that it will be perfectly true for an awful lot of places, but I just have a different opinion on where I would draw the line on helping. Obviously, the first and biggest hurdle is the whole legit Z visa/FEC right at the start. If a school can't get me those, I don't care whether or not it pays for my medical. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
powerrose
Joined: 14 Apr 2003
Posts: 119
Location: Shenzhen, China
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 3:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I don't think my friend is worried about the money, more the process. We live in Shenzhen and I went to get my RP renewed about a month ago and the health check office staff didn't speak English or have the paperwork in English (maybe one of the doctors could have helped but it was nice to have a helper...the med. check is stressful enough, imo). The visa process was a pain too, especially with them adding extra hoops to jump through because of Universiade. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
