Job Discussion Forums

[Porlestone]

Get this yet? Got a form from my employer it says I must handwrite the date I entered Vietnam, the date I expect to leave (or end date of visa), and get this, then I have to give them the exact calculation on how many days my time adds up to. It says that if I lie about it I should be held fully responsible. Vietnam is a place for responsibility and honesty huh?

It's not like I haven't given 10+ photocopies of my passport and visa, it's all right there. Don't know how long I've been in vietnam? Ask the immigration office or anyone else.

One co-worker told me that another guy in my school was already told he needs to supply all the 'documents' i.e. background checks and degrees yada yada. They haven't even had the guts to ask me yet. So this is the way they do things, take little cowardly baby steps. Dip a toe in the hot water. Ask me to submit some 'days in vietnam' form, then go for more a little later. You can see the way they do things here.

[legaleagle]

Although it is very livable here, there are some legal requirements you must follow. The "statement of days" form is probably for tax calculations, as you pay more if you aren't here something like 180 days in the year. As for degrees and the background check, i.e., the criminal check, requesting these would seem to be a fair request. It is nevertheless in your interest, as only those who are professional will then be working here - which means higher salaries for you. In our current recruitment season, we are stating upfront - you must provide the criminal check and degree verification within your first semester, or you won't be given a contract. (Un)fortunately, this is the way things are. The system might be a pain, but there also might be a silver lining. Grin and bear it, after you get the work permit, you also can get a residency card and apply for a driver's license. If you need a New York lawyer who can sort this out for you, I'll be happy to refer one.

[laconic]

[Porlestone]

"it is very livable here".
Talk about a false 'positive'.

The reason this 'statement of days' reaks is because it is more than obvious I've been here well past the 6 month / 183 day mark, and it's more of a baby-step in a direction they are likely heading. It's these little cowardly acts. No the hassle of all the checks which must be done by the teacher are not fair. Oh goody I can get a drivers license? Wow I'd be so thrilled.

The day some official comes to me and tells me I need to get together all these different documents together or else, will be the day I get out of here. It will be an act of God. I will go back up North to where I came from, give myself a pay raise, have more elbow room and live in more advanced conditions.

[legaleagle]

I'm really sorry to hear about all of your difficulties here. All of my staff (and myself) feel as if we've died and gone to heaven here. None of us have any intentions of going anywhere. And in my old life I've worked in offices on Michigan Ave in Chicago, California St. in San Fran, 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica and Munich, Germany. So I understand the good life, but in my humble opinion, it is tough to beat Vietnam.

[legaleagle]

Oh, sorry, forgot to answer about the docs. I am paying $1000 + $10 for the wire + $120 for the VAT for a lawyer to sort it all out, all inclusive. He isn't working just yet (he asked today where his money is) as the transfer is just going through (the Accounting Dept at work is very slow). He promised two weeks in hand at the VN Embassy in DC. I believe he'll do a good job, but I'll keep you posted. New York lawyers can't rip you off though, due to professional ethics. And he's a legit guy. Here is his website: www.berdklauss.com. I asked him if he can do a package deal and if he can then all of Saigon could probably use him. Once he's got the system down, I'm sure he can find efficiencies.

[laconic]