Ask Headmaster Ken

Dear Ken,

I am really unhappy at my new school. Things started off really good. I liked my students and classes a lot.

But the school owner began adding more and more classes. All of the teachers have no days off now and no relief in sight.

The final straw was my apartment (a shabby place in a bad part of town) was robbed. All my electronics, including two laptops, were stolen. The interesting thing was that in this break-in, there was no forced entry. Someone obviously used a key.

I met with the owner and asked for a lock change. Nothing happened.

Finally, all things considered, I told him I wanted to leave the school.

He told me if I try to leave, he will cancel this visa. He has made this threat to all the teachers.

I packed up and ran. I'm staying at a friend's place in another city wondering if I am illegal now.

Any help would be appreciated.

"Bill"

Dear "Bill",

I'll spare you the lecture on why it is always preferable to try to negotiate an exit from a school whenever possible, since that has become overcome by events (you pulled a runner).

First and foremost is the owner's threat to cancel your visa. First, the PSB, not the headmaster makes this call.

The PSB doesn't just cancel a visa (Foreign Resident Permit actually), they replace it with an L (tourist) visa.

Now, in order to do that, they need to have your passport in hand. Then they will cancel the FRP and place an L visa sticker in your passport.

While it is theoretically possible to cancel your FRP in absentia, I don't know of any PSB official who has done it or would do it simply because an FT pulled a runner. They may make an entry in their database that you pulled a runner, as reported by the school, but to my experience, it is extraordinarily unlikely they will cancel a visa based only upon an employer's report.

Your main problem will be getting your FRP transferred to a new employer without a recommendation letter from your past employer. You need this, in most places, under most circumstances, to do a proper transfer.

Now, a lot too depends upon your new employer. I suggest you tell your side of the story and see what your prospective employer says. They may say "No problem", or they may say "No way" - it just depends.

I would not recommend going with an employer who recommends you work on your old employers FRP. You may just end up jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

In short, I suggest you tell the truth and throw yourself on the mercies of your new employer - provided that new employer can provide you fully legal employment.

Finally, it is not certain that a key was used to enter your apartment. I watched a locksmith open a locked door in twenty seconds using only a very small screwdriver and a plastic bag. I won't elaborate, but anyone could do it easily.

Best of luck,

Ken

Hi Ken,

I did the same thing, pulled a midnight runner now I am in another province and looking to get a new job.

Could you please tell me the implications of the following:

1) I return home - Will I be able to do so without any problems if my resident permit expires in July 10.
2) I get another job here in china. will I have to leave and re-enter?

Also I have not registered with the police station yet since I am afraid that they will know my information.

Looking forward to your reply,

Thanks and regards.

Your situation is in many ways similar.

Usually, your FRP will not be canceled and you can find new employment in another province.

Not having a Letter of Reference or Letter of Release may hinder your new employment opportunities, but, many schools will still hire you.

Please, in the future, negotiate your exit if it is humanly possible.