And they'll also miss the non-accountability of the teaching if they were high school teachers teaching oral English with no end of term exams.

All of that is true and a perq at non-Uni posts, but the downsides are no longer tolerable and quals have increased dramatically.

3/4 yr Degree, CELTA, 2+ years teaching experience post-degree, a few ads want a real, credentialed, teacher at some schools.

Also current job requirements are approaching what is required for working in the Middle East (I believe that the Chinese companies are copying ads from the Gulf) but the Chinese only want to pay $1,000 to $2,500 USD per month for 8 or 8.5 months of the year...and you have to deal with all of the Chinese nonsense. Even the Saudis leave a note when the Mutaween inspect your apartment, and you are not followed constantly.

There is no way that ANY GCC veterans will teach in China.

If recent hires have a Masters, then they can go anywhere on this planet for much better money.

Teach subject at a school, anywhere.

China just priced itself out of the market.