You can add Shanxi to the list too. I am in Taiyuan, this morning we received an email from our FAO.

"We have receive notice from the Foreign Experts Office that degree and criminal records authentications are now required for all new and existing foreign teachers. This also applies to those of you have resident permits due to be renewed. Please can you make sure that you have obtained the authentications and hand them into our office by 15th September at the latest. We will not be able to process any paperwork without this.

At this point we are not clear as to the process and I will be making attempts to clarify it and will call a meeting shortly once I have further information.

This new rule has come from the Headquarters and therefore cannot be avoided. Thank you for your understanding"

No mention of reimbursement and all very random. I did call the FAO but he said at this time he know no more than his email but it has to be done.

If I find out more I will post it here.