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Posts: 3494

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Q: Just been asked to go in and sign a contract that says I agree not to break the law. Anybody else?

I told them that putting my signature down would be disingenuous as it is fully my intention to rob a bank before too much longer and that I'll continue to throw annoying students out the window.

They said it doesn't matter, just come in and sign it.

I might know more when I get to school this afternoon but right now I'm guessing this is some kind of attempt at discovering whether or not I have a criminal background.

Anybody else had to sign such a document?

 

 

 

9 years 45 weeks ago in  Visa & Legalities - China

 
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WTF ????

seriously, WTF?

do you look like a bank robber with shifty eyes and a suspicious leer?

i have never heard that one before.

It is a given that you are not there to break the law and is quite insulting and disrespectful to imply that you might if you don't sign the document.

Vyborg:

It should, indeed, be a matter of course but like many others here, I've had a contract with the same clause. It even stated that the foreign employee would respect Chinese culture.

The favor was never to be returned.

9 years 45 weeks ago
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sorrel:

yeah

i am so respected that today students told me the teacher for their next class wanted them to leave mine 10 minutes early.

slightly POed i said:

'can i speak to this teacher?'

they got the teacher on the phone for me.

I said, 

'I have no problem doing as you asked, but could you please, as a matter of professional courtesy, notify me first?'

She apologised, but i knew that she was annoyed. 

How dare i make her loose face 

 

 

9 years 45 weeks ago
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9 years 45 weeks ago
 
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Pretty sure most contracts say that. It was probably just a bad translation.  It says you agree to abide by the laws of this country. Nothing directed at you personally, or because you're a foreigner. Pretty sure most contracts have this clause. 

Stiggs:

Yep, mine has it.

9 years 45 weeks ago
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mike695ca:

all contracts ive seen has it as well.

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9 years 45 weeks ago
 
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Almost every Contract I've read had provision: 'Party A shall observe the laws, decrees and relevant regulations enacted by the Chinese Gov. and shall not interfere in China's internal affairs'.

 

I think, you'll sign similar stuff, which might be missing in your Contract.

 

School won't get anything of your criminal background, if you sign or not sign new document.

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One must consider what is legal with a signature here...a fingerprint is one thing, a scrawled "John Hancock" is another. 

Be inventive, sign any name that you wish.

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9 years 45 weeks ago
 
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You mean, in a separate document or in a contract?

 

Anyway, it's a good provision to have in a contract for an employer, since most people break an average of ten obscure laws a day, that's a good way out for random termination

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Since it is practically impossible to get by in China without breaking one law or another, I would guess that there are lots of breach penalties to be had. Sadly, you can guarantee that those asking you to sign this contract clause will spend their whole working life breaking more laws within the PRC than you will even imagine possible.

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9 years 45 weeks ago
 
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It could be because of your location and its associated issues.

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9 years 45 weeks ago
 
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wait wait wait wait I know this contract. The PSB is now giving this contract to all companies and schools to go along with you companies contract and this goes for any company that can legally hire foreigners. It's the reason your passport is held for 3 weeks. Yes its a security background check or just the way to piss off.

So 90% of us are going to be signing 2 contracts now:

1. Company contract agreement. (Normal)

2. PSB contract agreement. (3 week hold for a background check).

icnif77:

Isn't it criminal background check required only for Americans? OP is Ozz. I'll extend my RP in few days, and I'll see if I get PSB thingy to sign.

9 years 45 weeks ago
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RiriRiri:

There's no "criminal background" or "extensive passport" checks going on in PSBs.  And if ever there was, it wouldn't need 3 weeks to happen.

 

The three weeks rules is there only because it avoids them allocating necessary resources in getting a better service, and first and foremost because fuck you.

Though I admit they might be running some physical tests, considering how they gave me back mine last time, I guess it passed the trampling, throwing, pinching and aerodynamic tests.

9 years 45 weeks ago
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ironman510:

@icnif77, All countries now need a background check now, if you get a Z visa, not for renewing...as long as you already have a resident permit then you don't need a new FBI check. If you get a new Z visa and starting from the bottom, yes you need a new FBI check. The background check by the PSB

 

@RiriRiri, after 4 of us renewed last time with Wall Street English in Shenzhen there was a background check done by the PSB ( the new rules just started), our HR got to see the results of 4 of us and a new teacher that came from Shanghai was refused a new RP because he had a record "maybe" a fight or something of that nature in 2010, located in Henan during a vacation he was on. His passport was recorded at that time and it showed up at the Shenzhen PSB in Louhu after the check was done. Man don't be to arrogant. After those sick crazy guys pulled those stunts in their schools China did get more strict with us. There is for sure a Background check done by the PSB. If something turns up it'll have 1 sheet of paper and a slip stamped and attached. If your clean you'll never see the results. So don't assume too much man. Take it easy.

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icnif77:

I was guessing, requirement to pick-up Z in your home country satisfied 'non-criminal background check' silently. Chinese Embassy in one's home country ask Police for criminal record, and issue Z or not accordingly.

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The bloke from my school says it's to do with a 'foreigner' in Shanghai who's been sprung acting illegally and that it's unrelated to my new employment contract, which was as per standard and which I signed last week.  Good schedule and unchanged salary.

I'll know more when I get there in an hour or so.  Although perhaps not...the depth of English is shallow.

I'm gunna sign Sinobear.

Mr Sinobear, how does your signature go...flourish, or no flourish?

Mike, does Sino sign with a flourish...what do you reckon?

And Sino, how does Mike sign...with an X?

Hey Dr M, let's get this popcorn quaffing thing back happening.  See if you can get 50 upvotes.

 

 

Sinobear:

Pawprint - nothing fancy 

9 years 45 weeks ago
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I had this clause in my contract when I was working for a university. When I saw that, I also thought "WTF", while picturing all the people driving their bikes on the left side of the road and not stopping at the traffic lights.

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From my limited experience this is routine. The wording may change but it is the same thing. I think it basically gives your employer an easy out should you do something could cause embarrassment to the company.

 

Also, I would suggest that you not wear a balaclava during contract negotiations. It might be misconstrued and send the wrong message to your prospective employer.

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Ok, this is it.  It's a one page document that required my name, DOB, nationality, place of birth and passport number.

It says I am forbidden to treat adolescents inappropriately and that I agree not to.

It was attached to the end of the new contract I signed last week and required by the PSB when my paperwork is submitted next week. 

I was told that, henceforth, all people working with adolescents in China will be required to do the same and it was precipitated by an expat in Shanghai being guilty of doing just this.

 

ironman510:

Yep, it's the same one I signed in Shenzhen. Because Wallstreet English has students of all ages. Thanks for posting the results.

9 years 45 weeks ago
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WCG:

Or else what?  I mean, is it an oath, or a contract?  An addendum?  Sounds kind of futile. 

9 years 45 weeks ago
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royceH:

Yes, futile.  But in their eyes I'm sure it's a master stroke.  Another reactive response to an isolated case of a non Chinese behaving badly.  And, as all Chinese are conditioned to believe....non Han cannot be trusted in their glorious land of rich history and ethereal beauty.

Swine...devils...get out!

 

 

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So, can the PSB do an international background check on applicants? I have heard that they cannot do this, and the best they can do is to do one inside China and investigate where the applicant has done inside the country itself.

 

The three weeks does puzzle me. My foreign expert certificate is also taking an agonizingly long time. Been waiting on that for three weeks now, and this is not the three weeks the PSB imposes.

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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77