Criminal Record Checks for Working Visas, Maybe

[roddy]

This has come up previously in an 'I heard' kind of way, but it looks like it might actually be happening. Links are from this post on the Beijinger - here for the Indian perspective, which draws heavily on this from China-briefing.com - which I think is owned by the same people as Dezan Shira, a well-established consultancy.

How far this will get and how strictly it will be implemented is anyone's guess. There's also what looks like a good general overview of the fun and games of China Visa Games 2008 here.

Edited September 23, 2008 at 09:38 PM by roddy
added a maybe

[Senzhi]

Roddy, rest assured that any and every country is doing this already for a long time. People just don't see it ... so they never care about it (unless they are criminals, of course).

As far as my opinion goes, this whole thing is just one big commercial (to keep the nasty ones away ... since they do exist ... in any country).

Things haven't changed a bit .... maybe only the workload (meaning: the sufferer).

And for me, so far no problems. I just got my work permit renewed ... and I expect to have my renewal of the residence permit to follow soon.

Or to be short, like in any country: common sense!

[Senzhi]

China Visa Games 2008 here.

The first part of the article is quite good ( = the past) ... However the speculations about the visa future are pure crap ...

Yes, I agree, there's lack of communication. Nothing new here.

No, I don't agree: no country does issue a criminal record accross borders unless you're regsiterd internationally (= Interpol). Full stop. That's it. Please stop the B .......... s (ending with a T)

And if you're a criminal, what's your purpose in China anyway. And if you're not a criminal, why are you scared?

[roddy]

I'm not quite sure what your points are. Other countries might do the same (though I suspect the majority of them accept a declaration of no criminal record, rather than requiring certification), but it's still noteworthy if China follows suit - a number of countries run elections, I'd probably think it worth a mention if China joined in. And who's scared? Exasperated at another potential round of hassle and expense is more like it.

Hopefully won't happen anyway. It maybe should for certain roles - working with children, financial responsibility, but in most cases the existing 'do you have a criminal record (yes / no)' is surely adequate.

[Senzhi]

My point is: there's no difference between China, the USA nor Europe. Anybody who thinks there's a differece is being fooled.

Exasperated at another potential round of hassle and expense is more like it.

Exactly, that's the "only difference" in China.

However, I'm still convinced that, if you do business properly, they will do business properly with you ... and then busines can start.

I have no respect for people who (would like to) come to China on any dodgy excuses and on any kind of visa they suddenly can't get ... hell, what would these people expect in their own countries?

The rules are there ... respect them. And to be honest: I never spend one cent, pence, mao or whatever you'd like to call it on my visa.

For once I agree with China: too many people come here just for their own profits, abusing the system, with little caring.

Let's see if the US or the EU would agree with that or do the same.

[msittig]

Senzhi, your self-righteousness and "honesty" makes it hard for anybody to side with you, but your points are good. I've also met an expat actor/model who bragged to me that he was on the run from the SEC, and I was just as disgusted as you are at those people.

Well, all your points except for

there's no difference between China, the USA nor Europe

That's PC BS. See Roddy's election comment.

[Senzhi]

Senzhi, your self-righteousness and "honesty" makes it hard for anybody to side with you, but your points are good.

That's because I worked in the field, on an international basis, with an international security classification (although quite a long time ago, not anymore, and not in China). I just can't stand it that the press are producing disinformation for what obviously is not going to happen ... for it's not necessary nor feasable (with current technology).

All I see is that western press are scaring off people regarding entry in China, while the ones that really should be scared don't need the press: they know already why they should be scared.

And if I don't have any problems, then why somebody else? I'm not special.

[Gibbs]

I recently found a job in China and we are in the process of obtaining a Z visa. However we have hit a snag with this criminal record requirement. (By the way since this thread was originally started the criminal check is now required for Z visas).It is my understanding that in order to obtain this I must return to the USA, have my fingerprints taken at the local police department, then send them to the FBI in Washington D.C. to run an official criminal background check. I should receive the results in 4-6 weeks. Then I must send the record (or lack there of) to the Chinese embassy in New York City so it can be officially translated. This will probably take 3-4 weeks. Finally I must send it back to my employer in China who can then apply for the proper licenses. Finally, my employer will send the licenses to me in the USA where I can finally take them along with my Z visa application to the Chinese embassy in NYC. Does this sound right to anyone? Can anyone give me any further details on this process because the way it looks now this entire process will easily take three months, if not more to complete.

[roddy]

Where and what is the job, where are you from, etc, etc? As far as I know this isn't happening generally.