Job Discussion Forums

herbert · Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 3

I have a marijuana conviction from several years ago. I thought having a criminal record would limit my abillity to travel, but it turns out I can visit any place in the world except the U.S. (I'm Canadian).
I previously worked in South Korea as an ESL teacher. I had no problem obtaining a working visa in South Korea, even though that country has very restrictive drug laws.
Does anyone know if it is possible to obtain a work visa in either Japan, China, Taiwan or Thialand with a criminal record?
I'm sure, like South Korea, that the official policy is not to let people obtain working visas with a criminal record, but they do they have the resources to check?

lajzar · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 647 Location: Saitama-ken, Japan

Put it this way. If you apply, the worst that will happen to you is that they check, you get turned down for the visa, and the job goes to someoen else. In that, it is not so different than if you failed at the interview stage anyway.

I assume of course you weren't planning on going to the country in question until after the visa gets processed.

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

Someone I knew from high school is currently teaching English in Thailand, and he has several marijuana convictions on his record. He's Canadian too BTW. I don't know how stringent Japan or China would be in checking your background. You may as well try, the worst they can do is say no.

khmerhit · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2003 12:16 am Post subject:

Hey Herbert,

Don't rule out Cambodia. They don't really mind if you have a record, especially if you have plenty of cash!

It's an excellent country, far more interesting than the alternatives, safe, cheap and it's actually possible to save money. Lots of ganja too, but of low quality, as they export it.

Come to Cambodia-- the Other Land of Smiles Very Happy

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

Khmermit, is Cambodia really safe? I don't know of anyone who's been there so everything I've heard has been second hand info, but most travel sites have a warning about it (in particular Phnom Pehn). I figure they usually err on the side of caution though.

khmerhit · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:32 pm Post subject:

Yeah, Cambodia is fine. It has a reputation, but that has nothing to do with the safety of foreigners and travelers.

Same as Colombia and South Africa. The dangers are drink, drugs and driving--- the three Ds. Not the country.

I say go for it. Come to Cambodia! Very Happy

Kurochan · Joined: 01 Mar 2003 Posts: 944 Location: China

A friend of mine, who's American, had "convicted drug smuggler" stamped in his passport, but still was able to work in China. He DID come through a program that handled all the visas and stuff, though. (BTW, he wasn't really a drug smuggler, he just got caught riding in a car that had marijuana in it. There were bad cops involved in the whole scenario.)

herbert · Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 3

I'm surprised that any country would let anyone in with 'drug smuggler' on their passport. I know the states are quite strict on drug related matters with their 'war on some drugs' fiasco, but that seems ridiculous.
I guess the stamping was meant to limit that individual's freedom to travel to other countries.

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

Yeh I think possession disappears in 7 years or at least it used to. If they let you out of your country then other places let you in. No worries really. I had a DWI getting here and it was no proiblem.. Oh the little orphans are taking up a collection for my phone bill. Very Happy

I dont accept cash but anything else wiill be fine... Cool

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Ther are no checks in Turkey, so you would be ok there.