Ask Headmaster Ken

Hi,

I've been teaching in the same school in Guangdong for the past 2 years (though this is my 7th year teaching in China) and have just been told by my FAO that there may be some new rules regarding the employment of foreign teachers. I was supposed to sign a new contract today and that has now been placed on hold pending information about these "new rules."

Can you verify if this is true or is my FAO just stalling for time?

Thanks.

Your FAO may or may not be spinning you a story.

It is true that on Monday, March 14th, 2011, the Chinese government passed the Twelfth Five-Year Plan which proposes changes in many areas.

It is also true that it is now difficult, even impossible in certain places, to get licenses, start a new business, etc. because local government officials are waiting for their implementing instructions from above.

I have heard it will be about two months from the passing of the new Five-Year Plan until the changes have fully trickled down to the lower levels.

There may be officials in a few places who would piggyback on this delay to stall completing requested duties, but you'll probably never be able to discern which instance you are dealing with.