August 6, 2009

Recently, I was offered a position at a College in Nanjing. During the course of correspondence with this college, which states it has a preparatory program for students entering into Canadian higher education, all seemed fairly straight forward, and the contract offered looked good by most Chinese standards.

What came as a surprise was that the College would not supply the proper "Z" work visa prior to departure which some employers use to save hassle and time, but then they would not even sign the contract they had sent. It was said it was not their practice and it would be done once we met in Nanjing. From my experience in China, and common sense, this is not an acceptable practice and I have never experienced this concept with previous Chinese employers, and therefore, for clear reasons, I declined the offer.

When accepting any job in China check it out well and you should be given documentation to receive the proper "Z" working visa before arrival in the country, and always a signed and stamped contract before arrival.

Kai Lamborn