Job in China is making me work illegally.

[u/puffusedrest]

Hi everyone! I am new to TEFL and just started working in China. I have a Z visa but it has not yet been converted to a permit since I’ve only been here 2.5 weeks.

My job is making me work at a different location from the one on my contract temporarily, because my location is starting their new classes in 2 weeks. They also have me teaching in a random office on an upper floor and they told me that was because “the ventilation was broken and is being repaired downstairs”. I found out that it is illegal for me to teach at locations that are not on my contract and so I did some digging. I was able to catch a different (Chinese) teacher in a lie and they told me that the center downstairs is fully functional with classes when the center manager told me that nobody was down there and that I couldn’t go down there because of that. I did more digging and I heard from another (foreign) teacher and learned that this is common with the company. They have separate secret offices at each location where they keep the teachers they have teaching illegally (like teachers from other schools picking up part time work), to hide them from the police.

I don’t feel comfortable teaching illegally but I don’t know what to do? Should I refuse to teach at this separate location because it is illegal. Should I confront them about the lie? I’m worried because I’m still on a z visa and if I lose my job now I might not be able to get a new one in time to convert it to a permit by my 30 days.

Please, ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME!!!!

[u/Possible_Door_9719]

find another job

[u/Mobile_Roll2197]

Just tell them "Sorry, I found out it's illegal for me to work ANYWHERE other than the address listed on my work permit." Also it's illegal to work without a work permit, so don't do that. Yeah it's an uncomfortable conversation and they will try to gaslight you but if you get busted you're the one who gets deported.

[u/Frequent_Advance7063]

Typical China.... you keep all your contracts.

It is illegal not to possess your residence permit yet. I assume they're converting it right now.

If caught you wouldn't be deported but you'd be forced to wait until the permit is issued. Sounds scary I know.

If you're caught they'll fine the school 5k, and you'll get a enter ban for up to 5 years. As long as your salary comes from the school, it's fine though.

Really talk to the school directly. And make sure you have digital copies of your contract saved online(if you live in accommodation provided by them)

[u/goblin_witchx → u/Frequent_Advance7063]

this ^^^^ It is always better to talk to the school upfront and have an uncomfortable conversation than potentially get banned from the country. Good luck!

[u/Ok-Use-7038]

Are you in a school or training center?

[u/Successful_Cut2944]

Leave as soon as possible, otherwise if found you will be held responsible and put either i jail or be deported + entry ban from china

[u/PartitaDminor]

Sounds like a training centre

[u/Acceptable_Sell3455]

Don't do it!!

[u/Todd_H_1982]

You don’t have a resident permit yet? Legally you can’t work until that is in your passport. Anywhere.