I agree with Martin. Release letters can be problematic even for teachers who have left on good terms and who have not done a bunk. Whilst I personally have never had to obtain one as I have been at the same school since I have been in China I have seen the rigmorole that other foreigners have had getting them and us as a school have in chasing them up.

Things do vary from province to province but as I have mentioned previously on other threads things have been much more streamlIned electronically since last year and all provinces are now connected through the same online system which deals with the initial application before it even gets to the SAFEA office. One of the documents being requested to be uploaded for an existing teacher who is in China is a release letter. If that is not uploaded the application cannot continue.

You make reference to the PSB getting involved. I am not aware of this being the case as by the time they are even involved in the equation SAFEA would have had to have issued an FEC. I am not saying you have been misled but probably are misinformed. If anybody would have contacted your old school or employer it would have been your new employer. In fact the new system would inform them who that it even if you dont know yourself. Again that amazes me that you did not know who exactly was employing you as I for one would want to be certain of that.

Everyone has their own opinions and that is their right but I would never advise someone to pull a runner. Of course some circumstances might dictate this as the only option but if you are intending to remain in China it can cause you considerable problems in the future, particularly with the new online tracking system.

No doubt someone will say I pro China this or whatever, I try to stay neutral but I have seen both sides of the coin and all it entails. As for other posters commenting on poor salaries, well I earn nearly twice what you say so for now have no wish to upsticks.