How long does it take to process a work visa application these days?
Does anyone know?
It used to take about 8 weeks, but someone said it is now streamlined and is much faster.
The key thing is have you been paid for your first month? It is possible that they have not set up a bank account yet (genuine red tape) , but they should have paid you cash. If not, red flag.
Are there other foreign teachers there from before? If so ask if they have got their visas. If no other teachers then it is a small outfit and may not have the permits to employ you.
If they are legit, and your visa is taking time, then yes the employer is entitled to ask you for expenses back, if there is a penalty clause in the contract, which there usually is.
If you break a legal contract with an employer you will not be able to apply for another work visa for (I think) 3 years. Unless the employer signs a release letter, which they probably will do if you leave in an orderly manner and pay them any costs that they think that they are owed.
One final question. Are you eligible for a work visa? Do you fulfill all of the requirements for teaching in China? If not, then the contract of employment is not legal, as you would never get the visa.
Up to 1,000 Dali businesses to close in face of new policy
发布者I see on CGTN that the government has just released its 3rd wave of environmental inspectors across the nation, to evaluate local government performance. It looks like they are getting serious this time.
Four years after murder conviction, Yunnan man walks free
发布者Also a good example of why due process, and public defenders are needed. This includes the defense having access to forensic evidence.
This guy was lucky.
Kunming's bike share options: A user guide
发布者@ Peter, people have been jailed for handling stolen rental bikes, there was a news story on local TV a couple of weeks back, and I think people were jailed in 3 separate cases. I think in two cases it was 15 days, I think the cops are targeting this, as the whole bike thing is a government initiative.
There are also grass roots volunteer groups liberating stolen bikes, and reporting stolen bikes. I think people trying would get reported, unusual for china as that is.
These bikes are probably too highly visible and recognizable to just chuck on the back of a sanlun che, and ride them through a scrap metal dealer's gates.
Up to 1,000 Dali businesses to close in face of new policy
发布者I visited Dali, 2-3 years ago, and cycling around the lake I could not believe that they had built hotels/guest houses along the shore side.
One also needs to think about the run off from the construction sites, going into the lake, with local small building firms doing the jobs.
I am glad that they finally jumped on this.
Blackwater founder bringing new security firm to China
发布者A few years ago, someone told me that several thousand Chinese business men, on business trips, just disappear every year. I am sure that shipments of goods disappear at an even more alarming rate. I wonder how many truck drivers are hijacked heading south and west, once they leave China. Probably a very big business opportunity for a logistics security service provider, with experience of this kind of work; which FSG seems to have.