Job Discussion Forums

[goeastyoung(ish)man!]

Hi, I looked for this topic via search but didn't find. I'll be coming to China for the first time to start teaching in Sept. I have an email offer and am waiting for the real deal to request a Zvisa with. Ok, ok: with which to request a Zvisa. I just received from the Uni contract addendums for conduct and general expectations. One thing that struck me was a clause that I would "turn in" my passport and other unspecified documents within 3 days of arrival to the Uni.

Is that normal (standard)? I'm currently sin papeles but con passeport in Spain. I'm a go-alonger for the most part, but I don't like the idea of not having it with me. Or is it safer with big brother? Appreciate the advice.

[Steiner]

After we arrived, our school (public middle) took our passports for a couple weeks until they could get our foreign expert certificates and residency papers squared away. We were nervous, but in due time everything was returned to us. We keep our passports in our home.

[msBLACKgirl]

WOW, that's a really good question, I'd like to know more about that as well. While in China we were always told--NEVER PART WITH YOUR PASSPORT, NEVER!!!

[Steiner]

Once you get your Foreigner Residence Permit, the PSB tells you "NEVER TAKE YOUR PASSPORT ANYWHERE--EVER! If you get your residence permit swiped, it's supposed to be relatively easy to replace since you can do it at the nearest PSB office that deals with foreign affairs. But if you get your passport stolen, you're in for a lot of hassle--a trip to Beijing or Guangzhou or wherever the embassy is. We hadn't touched our passports for months. The other day we needed to give some info again for something and they were moldy.

I don't think I'd feel comfortable if the school wanted to hold our passports, but I wouldn't be surprised. Everything the school does is to ensure your safety, of course Others will tell you if it's common, I'm sure.

[Minhang Oz]

Steiner is right. If you'd like to accompany your passport and sit in the PSB for a week or so, feel free. So,Miss BG, you're going to have to let it go! That week or so when you're document-less is an awkward one. ALWAYS keep a few photocopies of the front page of your passport in a safe place. Carry one with you until you've got your residents permit. Locals are nevr without ID. A uni. student in Guangdong was beaten to death recently for not having his resident card. This trial has created a lot of interest here- a few years ago it wouldn't have even gone to court.
Having said that, I only carry ID on longer trips; downtown, nearby cities etc. The more you carry it, the greater the chance of losing it. I'd actually rather front my embassy for a new passport than the PSB for a new permit.

PS I have heard of a school wanting to keep a passport though, especially if they've had an experience with a "midnight runner" before! I'd be declining politely on that one, and making noises to my embassy if they refused to return it.

[oprah]

Yes they do take your passport to get your papers in order. Make sure you have them sign for the passport and document the date they took it.

[kimo]

[Roger]

Steiner and Minhang said it all, so you would do well to listen to them!
During the waiting period when your passport is being processed for a work visa, keep photocopies of your visa (L or F) and the page containing vital information on you!
It might be a good idea to get in touch with your consulate or embassy first before heading to the school.
And, make sure they promise you to return your passport after obtaining a work visa! A passport is NOT YOUR property - it is rightfully your country's!

[Wolf]

You need to give your passport to the government for a few days to get the visa put in.

You will work for a government uni? If you get a health check (and a note from a doctor), and a couple of documents from your school, you can take your passport plus said documents to any Chinese consulate outside China and get the visa put in there. That's waht I did - from that international, not-China place of Macau. It took 2 days, and cost HK$300 (single entry.) When I got into the PRC, I needed to hand it over to my office for a day so they could take it to the PSB to get that green book. I got it back the next day - but I kicked up a bit of fuss to be sure. I needed to have a second health check, though. All foreigners have AIDS or something.

You need 2 documents from your school. One I never got back (it said that I was the only one who needed a visa - no wife or dependants.)

The English on the other reads:

[goeastyoung(ish)man!]

Thanks for the advice, all. I'll clarify with the school whether they mean "hand in your passport for the purpose of gaining a residence card" or "hand in your passport until you think you want to try to leave here." So far they have been very good at responding to my inquiries.