Job Discussion Forums

Redfivestandingby · Joined: 29 Mar 2003 Posts: 1076 Location: Back in the US...

I'm leaving next week to go back to the States for some badly needed down time.

The problem is that my school won't give me my Foreign Expert card. They say I don't need it to exit or enter the country. Of course, they are experts and know better. Every time I've left I've had to show it.

This is just part of ungoing problems with the school.

Does anyone know what can I do? I'm going tomorrow to the local PSB to report this although I don't think I'll have much luck since May holidays have begun.

Any suggestions?

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

I've never needed my foreign expert's card to get in or out of the country -- I've never taken it with me to go to Hong Kong, or when I went to the US. I just bring along my passport.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

What is the reason they are giving you?

Redfivestandingby · Joined: 29 Mar 2003 Posts: 1076 Location: Back in the US...

No reason whatsoever. They say I don't need it which is besides the point since legally I'm supposed to have it.

Cowboy Pete · Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 12:11 am Post subject:

See my quote below....

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

You won't need your FEC, what for???
The only reason that you need it for is to buy foreign currency with your RMB income - a service the BOC provides, not the customs folks or the Immigration officials.
I suspect you have a single-entry visa; surrender your FEC now, and don't complain. Ask for a receipt in case you need it at the border. A receipt from your school.

Clancy · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 162

The only time I have ever been asked for my FEC was when purchasing a house.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Tell them that it is not their card.

Also, tell them that you saw on the Internet that if the police ask you for your card and you don't have it, problems may arise.

Also by law you must be able to present it when asked by any government official.

tony lee · Joined: 03 Apr 2004 Posts: 79 Location: Australia

It may not be the school's property but Note 2 in the back does say that "It should be returned to the organization that issued the certificate before the bearer leaves China"

we were not asked for it - ever- and the only use it had was for changing money when the illegal money changers weren't around and right at the beginning when it is needed by the PSB to prove you are eligible for a residence card. And they serve as souvenirs of our stints in China

The residence card - green card- is different. It should be carried and can be used instead of a passport for booking travel or hotels and must never be surrendered to other than the PSB or the departure official when leaving china for the last time

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Your school is right. The foreign expert card belongs to the school, and must be returned to them upon leaving (if they ask for it.) Recent regulations have made this more stringent, as schools are now accountable for it.

TESOLman · Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 34 Location: Vancouver, BC

I haven't needed my Foreign Expert book to leave or enter China.

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

well mostly a waste of paper - but do note as Roger says for changing redskins to other $ @ BoC

That doesn't matter if you leave via HK of course.

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

well mostly a waste of paper - but do note as Roger says for changing redskins to other $ @ BoC

That doesn't matter if you leave via HK of course.