海角乱伦

As with most things in Viet Nam, it all comes down to the cops. Try living with a woman outside one of the major cities, the law was changed in 2000 but that doesn't stop the police from doing what they want.A friend of mine who built a house in Vung Tau was asked to leave his own house due to him and his gf not being married,so as you see it is still enforced to a degree.

In relation to the schools, the guy has no experience so he won't be walking into one of the better schools, they just don't employ people without classroom experience. I agree with a lot you say, but the laws in Viet Nam are not enforced, you know this after many years of living here.

C Scape..You are correct in your wordings...
And yes I've know a couple of 'screwballs' who allow the local police to walk all over them.聽 I've also refused access to my residence at (zero dark thirty in the mornings) to local police as they already had all my proper papers and the papers of the woman living with me.聽 They never bothered me again as I went to their office the following morning!聽
When they find out that you are not 'afraid' to question them and you have proper documentation...I have found over the previous years, going to Immigrations and finding out more about the do's and don'ts helped a lot after my first month and afterwards...it works to your benefit!聽 I've NEVER paid a cop in the 11 years I've been here...
They are enforced...if there are no Vietnam Dong crossing their palms...and if you run into one...make sure you get the cops full name, even ask him how to pronounce it and the motorbike license plate number...then go to his boss in the District...this is how you stop that!
As to teaching...perhaps with the new changes, 'experience' is something that will change as part of the requirements.聽 As long as they are certified and have the proper Degree and paperwork signed off.聽 This was in the September change and hopefully it will be easier to get the proper documents to teach.聽
As an "Instructor", I have always thought teaching was also by 'example'...
Good talking to you...again.

Very true mate.

Highly Highly useful/topic for my circumstance thank you Colin & Anthony for you're experienced comments -

1. Only wished I read this sooner as booked return ticket 3 months - but with intention to stay long term in Vietnam.
2. Have a Tefl and looking to聽 gain experience legally to teach Ho chi Minh/Dalat (recent ESL cert) I have many years experience in education (non english language teaching) - course design/delivery diverse age groups learning environments etc..

3. Catch 22 here from what I'm reading re: laws changing - I have been told to come and distribute resume once im here but obviously this means that I cannot secure work permit before hand without prior employment.

4. Why is it not possible for the government allow you to stay on with a tourist visa while schools are organising your work permit/processed? Is it necessary for you to leave the country overland ie.Cambodia when you still have time left on a visitor/tourist visa? Is this a rule being made due to the many young fly by night backpackers gaining basic english certs. making money and fleeing onto their travels and not contributing to Vietnamese society?

5. I am 39, planned for a while to come and work and integrate myself into Vietnam, as well teaching English I wish to work/volunteer with charities and support groups in my spare time.

Though carrying the stigma of an inexperienced freshly qualified Tefl teacher - in what other ways can you express your genuine long term intentions without obtaining a work permit before entering the country?

In the UK it is proving difficult to get a police/background check beforehand unless you have secured a school who will employ you, though a basic check can be obtained, would this suffice in Vietnam?

Thanks for your time

Theo聽 Datta
+447506681587
ESL teacher (UK Born Native speaker)
Creative/Music Technology Education Advisor
theodatta.com
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Theo...you can come to Vietnam on the tourist visa and search for a position to teach.聽 You just can't convert your 'tourist' for a 'work permit'.聽 Not 100% on the police check...I have heard that as long as your 'local' enforcement can state you are not a 'criminal' you would be safe.聽 You can 'stay' in Vietnam while the paperwork is being worked on; you would more than like have to exit and return to receive the Contract, and permit.聽 Even if you have time left on the tourist visa...it will take you a good month to educate yourself here, and another to find the right place that suits you...don't just 'take what you can get' if you have a background in education.聽
There are also major hotels and resorts who desire English speaking staff...don't cut yourself short.聽 Take a train ride up the coast, see the country and pass out your resumes.聽 (just a thought)
As C-sapee said...there are many places in Saigon to teach...and many who will assist you in applying legally. My guess is that the government is attempting to remove some of the corruption, which local police have sucked off the schools to keep 'illegal' teachers without permits and proper papers going.
I thought I could work 'free' I tried to do the SOS organization here in DaNang...Immigrations says I have to have a 'permit' from them to work for free...in HCMC, there was no problem...here a major problem.聽 In a sense...work is work...paid or free in their eyes.
If you pass through DaNang...there are a lot of resorts along the coast here and several schools.聽 Good luck

I came on a one-way ticket and never had a problem on more than one occasion.

Very useful and relevant advice Anthony - For myself, HCMC is a last resort teaching/work location I would rather get paid less knowing local rural schools benefit.
You mentioned SOS and permits - This is the reason of my travelling to Dalat, to help an organisation supporting coffee farmers (prob volunteer to begin with), nothing is fixed yet, even in Dalat will have to find some teaching for the time being, so from what you say the same rule/law applies regardless of paid wage - good to know...

I am taking Vietnamese lessons as soon as I land to better enrich experiences and interactions in the future, hopefully beneficial working with charities and support groups.
Your travelling to the coast sounds breathtaking - will look into schools around DaNang on your recommendation (looking at Hoi An while typing this!) By the way, by mentioning resorts, do you mean that they will pay to teach english to train their staff etc.

Thanks

Theo D

Yes...the resorts look for both individuals who speak English to teach staff and to assist in training in specific fields within the Hotel Industry.聽 I know a couple foreign English teachers, Yogo instructors, etc.聽 聽The reason I stated about your 'abilities' other than as an English teacher...
I've got a website...if you get to DaNang use the e-mail address to contact me.聽 There is also the Bamboo 2 that has many expats visit that you can connect with who work and play in this area.
HCMC is OK, I lived there for nearly 7 years, but outside the city...the last four.聽 Yes, DaLat has a SOS place there as well...very small and out of the way city...nice but many tourists in and out.聽 The roads going in and out are not that well kept up especially to and from the coast (just over a yr ago???)聽 Hoi An is another 'tourist trap' with little to actually offer but many like it there.

Thanks Anthony all very useful to know and helpful too - Iv'e already checked your website out (very nice may I add) thanks ill contact you soon as I arrive in DaNang.
Staying on topic, I have been reading (written March14) I am getting conflicting articles from government plans - one day they say they are tightening foriegners and work permits to increase employment opps for locals, the next they are scared all commerce will go elsewhere as I read also in another article statinbg that they are to slacken employee paperwork required for foriegn skills hiring.

Coming on a tourist Visa I find this a little daunting...any citations on more recent legislation in effect or within 2015 would be good, at least to know what working future is possible for foreigners entering the country - I'm phoning the embassy here to double check.

I doubt it's about increasing opportunity for locals to get employment, not when you consider that the VN government hired a heap of Phillipinos to come and teach here.

I have yet to see anything, but will be in touch with the Immigration Office here in DaNang as well as the Department of Labor.聽
Here is their July quote:7 July 2014

The Government of Vietnam agrees to adjust conditions for some categories of foreign experts and specialists working in Vietnam. The Government also proposed amendments to Decree No. 102/2013/N膼-CP (dated September 5th, 2013) which provides details on the implementation of a number of Articles of the Labor Code in regard to foreign employees working in Vietnam.

According to Article 4 of the new Resolution, the conditions of work permit issuance for foreign employees have been loosened which is in line with recommendations of VBF (Vietnam Business Forum) in 3 recent forums. Foreigners who are experts and specialist applying for work permit in Vietnam are no longer required to provide 5 years working experience AND a university degree.

For your reference, please find below an extract of Article 4 under Resolution 47:

4. Regarding conditions for foreign workers working in Vietnam:

The Government agrees to adjust conditions for foreign workers working in Vietnam who fall under one of the cases below:

a)聽 聽 Foreigners who are experts or specialists who satisfy requirements for professional training qualifications OR have acquired at least 5 years of working experience in the field that they are expected to work in Vietnam;

b)聽 聽 Foreigners who have diploma certificate or equivalents and above and who have specialized training suitable to their majors at foreign language training centers (foreign language centers), preschools;

c)聽 聽 Foreigners who have bachelor degree or equivalents and above and who have specialized training suitable to their majors at general educational institutions.

I've got a letter from authorizing me to teach...yet under the 'old rules'...I need to find out if I am still covered or 'grandfathered' as we would say.聽 Nothing over here is 100 percent...so I need to check for what the rules will be after January...I will not seek until around the 16th or 17th...I will keep you advised as to what the new 'scoop' is.
Anthony

Cheers ....Good info and topical given the dates of theses new rulings - very useful references in the last post Anthony and important info for all reading this blog - I have been told by embassy in London that if I acquire Business visa then it would not be an issue should you find work - they insisted that you need not have a referral of business/or school organisation overseeing this (I find this strange and defeats the point of separating tourism interest to business interests)....SO though you cannot convert a tourist visa into a work permit you can however get a work permit (if you find an organisation/business) while聽 already on a 90 day business visa (adequate time for your employer to process the so called slackened employee requirements)

As I stated earlier...what ever 'visa' you enter into Vietnam on you are not able to 'convert' while in the country.聽 This also states that you do not have to have the (5 yrs experience or even a university degree) if considered an 'expert'.聽 Certifications to prove that you are 'qualified' to do something....You can enter on, find a business to sponsor you to work...tour around while still on your first visa; then exit prior to the completion of such.聽 The 'business' will notify (usually by e-mail or letter also) you to fly in, meet at the immigration office at the airport where you will be provided such to enter on a work permit.聽
They can also meet you at the border south of Ho Chi Minh....if possible.聽 you can also obtain a temp. residence card with a work permit...for the duration of the work contract/work permit (1 or 2 years).聽 Make sure you request regardless of the visa a multi-entry visa...this way you can enjoy the entire SE Asia wonders.
Later...

Indeed thanks for clarifying - though doesn't align with what I was told ... repeating what the vietnamese embassy official told me on the phone..
- "Business visa okay to stay in country first while obtaining work/permit -聽 possible"
- "Tourist visa not okay to stay in country if you find work without sponsorship" (I triple checked with him to the point he was getting fed up) and was the only reason I mentioned a business visa.

Still contradictory but wanted to make sure - after having spent months setting a business up in New Zealand trying to get employment after spending thousands and spending months on legal paperwork you kinda get fed up of it after a while...(and thats with having family living over there)

Thanks for the detailed outline of procedures Anthony - surely for expats already with a letter of approval they are just engaging themselves in more an more paperwork?!?!

To be honest I think you're making this a bigger issue than it is. Just get a tourist visa,then come here and do some enquiries on the ground,find a suitable job then apply for the work permit.

colinoscapee wrote:

To be honest I think you're making this a bigger issue than it is. Just get a tourist visa,then come here and do some enquiries on the ground,find a suitable job then apply for the work permit.

I hope it is as simple as that聽 - just don't want anything biting you on the bum after - my needs are straightforward like others, to come, to work and to enjoy whats left of the culture - not interested in wandering off to neighbouring lands as no stranger to SE Asia - when you arrived here laws were probably more straightforward and less conflicting interests legal or illegal - they are making the bigger issues not us聽 who just want to work

Actually your getting way too much info and starting to feel it's a difficult situation. I see you have teaching experience,that will go a long way in getting a job. As I stated before, come here and get a feel for how things work, you will see it's not as hard as you are thinking it is.

Yes I think you are right Colin a lesson for all who read this blog thanks for your help though I will take yours and Anthony's advice聽 聽 This thread has become useful for newcomers with long term plans entering a country with immigration/work laws changing and wanting to see first what available work is out there..

Hi Theo,

Colin was right. Just come here, you will see everything is not difficult for you. Many foreigners here don't have experience but they still have a good teaching job . My friend even don't have time to relax, because he teaches so much.

These days when I went around district 1 (in Saigon), suddenly, I saw many foreigners here. Don't worry so much, just come here, you will be fine.

I read your posts, I see you have a good writing skill. Vietnam really needs some quality English teachers...

Good luck to you!

Charmavietnam ,sorry but your info is absurd ,not correct in any way shape or form

Happy8888 wrote:

Charmavietnam ,sorry but your info is absurd ,not correct in any way shape or form

What are you replying to.

If you have a res card you can have a bike in your name.

Is res card same as work permit?

No.聽 After you get your permit you apply for a res card.聽 If you have a two year permit you can have a 2 year res card.聽 You use to be able to have three years.聽 But of course laws changed

hello! I really hope this topic is still alive ><
I have a question re one way ticket as well. I read here that there's no problem with one way ticket going to Vietnam but I just recently spoke to a travel agent and she asked me why will I get a one way ticket. She said the immigration officer here in Manila airport might ask for a return ticket since I will be a tourist.
Did anyone here come from the Philippines and has one way ticket going to Vietnam without anybody in the immigration questioning it?? It's just really weird I don't know T~T
Thank you

Dear, if anyone asks, just tell them that you are still undecided about your return date. As long as you return within your visa period, then it should remain private to you; it is not any of their business to know. They do not need to know this as long as you abide by the time allowed as specified by your particular visa.

Dr. G wrote:

Dear, if anyone asks, just tell them that you are still undecided about your return date. As long as you return within your visa period, then it should remain private to you; it is not any of their business to know. They do not need to know this as long as you abide by the time allowed as specified by your particular visa.

Ahhh thank you! I guess I will tell that when the immigration officer here asks me. I have never traveled with a one way ticket before so I'm kind of nervous about it T~T
I just wish they won't ask where's my return ticket

Kattie , it is none of their business where you go or for how long . If they do ask just tell them you are traveling overland to China and you are undecided which city you will fly back from and will buy a ticket when you decide
Why are you coming here anyway ?

Happy8888 wrote:

Kattie , it is none of their business where you go or for how long . If they do ask just tell them you are traveling overland to China and you are undecided which city you will fly back from and will buy a ticket when you decide
Why are you coming here anyway ?

yeah I gotta do/say that! thank you~ I'm thinking of getting a teaching job and travel at the same time with my boyfriend. I'll probably fly from Vietnam to NZ if I did not get a job

The only time I have seen a demand for another ticket is with tge country you are goung to. In your case this would be VN. However, VN is not a country that requires proof of exit pkans. Even those countries that do require it they will allow you to purchase a ticket when you are attempting to enter. So I would relax and enjoy yourself. You may also experience the airlines asking to see a VN visa. Just tell the ticket agent to look in their books and they will find VN has a visa on arrival policy so entry is not aproblem. The reason airlines demand proof of a visa is that the airlines must fly you back if the receiving country denies you entry at their exspense

Vagabondone wrote:

The only time I have seen a demand for another ticket is with tge country you are goung to. In your case this would be VN. However, VN is not a country that requires proof of exit pkans. Even those countries that do require it they will allow you to purchase a ticket when you are attempting to enter. So I would relax and enjoy yourself. You may also experience the airlines asking to see a VN visa. Just tell the ticket agent to look in their books and they will find VN has a visa on arrival policy so entry is not aproblem. The reason airlines demand proof of a visa is that the airlines must fly you back if the receiving country denies you entry at their exspense

yes yes thank you! just the explanation I need to stop myself from worrying. well I could show the airlines/IO my approval letter regarding the VOA so that should not be a problem, I guess?

Vagabondone , ask the ticket agent to look in what book ? With VOA you MUST have the visa approval letter PRIOR to entering VN and that is only if you are arriving by air in to HCM ,HANOI or DANANG
Your inference that you just can get it when you arrive is misleading and potentially causing would be visitors to VN unnecessary grief
Unless the airline is totally lax , they WILL NOT allow you on the plane unless you show them a VOA letter or a consulate issued hard copy visa

You don't even need to show them any visa in fact. Not that it will hurt. But they have this information on their country data for each country. If they check they will learn you don't need a visa. In fact you don't have a visa to show them if you simply have a VOA letter. Happy traveling. I have a friend in VN that came from rhe PI to teach English. Tet have been teaching in and around HCM for a year now and enjoying it.

Vagabondone wrote:

You don't even need to show them any visa in fact. Not that it will hurt. But they have this information on their country data for each country. If they check they will learn you don't need a visa. In fact you don't have a visa to show them if you simply have a VOA letter. Happy traveling. I have a friend in VN that came from rhe PI to teach English. Tet have been teaching in and around HCM for a year now and enjoying it.

Nice to know! Wish I could get a teaching job too! and yeap ill show them my approval letter :3
im actually practicing what to say if ever they ask me haha thank you so much!

Happy888 perhaps you don't understand visa's. A VOA is not a visa. All airline cariers have access to the visa policies on all countries worldwide. In the mire advanced countries this is available to them on a computer database. Some have this informtion in manual form. Unless the aiines ticket agent is very familar with visa regulations they will generally ask to see your visa. In tge case if VN that allows fir the issue of a visa upon arrival you will not have a vusa to show them, inly a VOA letter. Yet there are countries, Rhailand being one, that you can travel to with nothing. In Thailand you can actually get you visa stamp from the immigrations officer at the airport. I have had many agents ask to see my Thailand entry visa. Yet once they check the rules they learn indeed one is not required.

Happy888
聽 聽Sorry you saw an inference in regards to
a VOA, none was intended. I think if you will reread what I said you will see that. Indeed, VN will require you to show a VOA letter in order for you to get your visa at your POE airport in VN. The fact still remains the agents data on file only indicates that VN issues visa's on arrival and they will let you board w/o showing a visa.

Yes that's right vagabondone , I don't understand visas even though I have lived in vn for 6 years and entered an exited dozens of times
Your apparent struggle with clear concise English makes your original post , easy to be misconstrued

Happy888
To some, but not to all. I assumed you had little travel experience. Having lived and traveled to over 65 countries I can assure you that a VOA is NOT a visa and all airlines have the entry requirements for every country on the planet. Obviously you have a very narrow understanding because your travels have been very limited.
The OP original querry was in regards to one-way tickets, not visa's.

My travels are limited ??? How would you know that ??
One should not assume mate聽 because inevitably it will bite you on the butt again , like it just did