Job Discussion Forums

Tanker · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Posts: 72

This is true, and not gossip.

Earlier this week, many teachers that have been working in Vietnam lengthy and short periods of times, as well as foreigners retired in VN, have been denied visa renewals for 6 months, whether Business or Tourist Visa.

They are being told that they can extend their visa for 30 days if they do not have a Work Permit.

This has been discussed in the past (2006) but this time the authorities are enforcing it.

Will things change? It's always possible.

If teachers cannot, will not, or are unable to get a Work Permit, they cannot stay in Vietnam.

It does not matter how long one has been here, or if they have family here.

More info here: http://www.saigonesl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1268
People I know are getting quotes for plane tickets out of Vietnam right now.

motown · Joined: 07 Jun 2008 Posts: 68

So one of two things can happen.
1- work permits enforced and people return to the States to get the proper documents and return. I'll call this the Korean method as they seem to be very strict on what is required. This can result in a number of people not being able (or wanting) to return.
(note -media is reporting that the economy is picking up in USA so many might find jobs upon their return but I'm not sold on that just yet.)
2-this turns out to be similar to what you see on the China board. Proper documentation is required there yet you see people continuing to go to China without degrees or TEFLs.
I'm interested the opinions of the many experts who frequent this forum.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

motown · Joined: 07 Jun 2008 Posts: 68

You make it sound like Viet Nam is the only country in the world where people can work as English teachers...
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When I read the forums of other countries such Thailand , Korea etc it appears that when someone has a Visa or work permit issue they generally try to do the things they need to do to get back to the country where they were working. If they are bolting to another country right away then they probably really didn't want to be there mcuh longer.
Teachers who have been in Vietnam for a number of years and have learned some of the language and culture are not going to pack up for Seoul the next day. How the gov't enforces this new ruling will affect them a great deal.
Also, depending which thread you read there doesn't appear to be a lot of jobs out there with the current influx of teachers to Asia. Korea just cut back 100 public school jobs at the last minute; the Taiwan forum lists experienced teachers looking for work. Hard to know what the real deal is unless you are in that particular country.
Lastly, I have no idea of the demographics of the current teachers in Vietnam. If they are all under 25 and are there for fun in the sun then maybe they are all taking a bus to Laos or Cambodia once the new rules kick in.

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

We all sat down and had a meeting about this. The conclusion was that none of us were going to have any problems in my school.

I think like everything in Vietnam there will always be a way round it.

Texas_blu · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 108 Location: HCMC, VN

Ben E wrote:

inky · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 283 Location: Hanoi

"Greed has always had a determining factor in Govt. and law enforcement here."
Comments like this make me physically ill. In the US, this would be regarded as entrepreneurship. Here, it's greed. To repeat, they are simply enforcing the existing laws. Get a grip!

ajc19810 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 214

New bloke in power from all accounts and there has been a few people booted from the country, koreans and chinese (this was a couple of months ago). Of recent some indo's and malays have been also sent packing, apparently a result from a high level of foreign crime.
Who knows, probably all blow over pretty soon and go back to normal, but if it doesn't..with helmet laws, work permits, random breath testing, a higher cost of living and the possibility of not smoking indoors, who would want to live in a legit Vietnam.

I miss dodgy Vietnam.

Texas_blu · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 108 Location: HCMC, VN

inky wrote:

inky · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 283 Location: Hanoi

So, you prefer things to be 'dodgy.' That's a wonderful attitude. I'm sure your students appreciate it.

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

Though I know Vietnam is a fast changing place I don't think it will be quite as bad as you make out with restrictions on everything that are strictly enforced etc. There are a few legal structures that take time to enforce.

I'm sure things will remain dodgy and ambiguous for some time to come. Relax here enjoy your Pho and enjoy teaching.

just noel · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 168

Let's not get side-tracked on the interpretation of the world "dodgy."

Who cares about semantics?

Let's change to term to mean "be able to get things done," or make bureaucratic regualations work."

I know a couple of people who are waiting for a reply from the authorities on whether they will be able to stay in Vietnam or not. They are teachers, and have never broken any rules/laws that I know of, and I know them quite well. They know the answer in about 10 days, I'll post what word they recieve.

There seem to be 2 issues here:

1. can a 6 month business/work visa be issued to those w/out work permits now, or in the near future,

and/of

2. Will those w/out work permits or the means to get a WP be able to have any visa to stay and work/live in the future.

This is what I think it's about.

I'll post what word I recieve from those that are waiting to see if they can stay.

AdamtheJohnson · Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 157

Soo how does one get an official work permit??

inky · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 283 Location: Hanoi

You sign a contract with a legitimate employer. You provide your legitimate employer with your notarized original documents (degree, ESL cert, and police check) and get a health check done in VN. Your legitimate employer then gets your Work Permit for you.

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

I agree with you Inky.
Just by the way: I received an email from an old friend who has been working here legally for 5 years. He has a contract and a senior position with a locally owned language school and his Visa renewal was refused by Immigration.
He has 4 days to leave the Country. He is well qualifed and experienced - PhD + TESOL diploma + 10 years experience + retired university lecturer.
I am leaving soon because I have been here long enough and want a different environment. However, I have a few months left on my Visa and I'm wondering if I can sell the remainder in a similar way to the Carbon Tax.