Volunteer visas on hold

[Hal65]

2 agents have told me that volunteer visas are not being issued right now and to instead take covid visa extensions. The hope is during that time, volunteer visas will be issued again.

 

Does anyone know what is causing the suspension of this scheme and whether it is likely to resume or not?

[DrJack54]

2 hours ago, Hal65 said:

Does anyone know what is causing the suspension of this scheme and whether it is likely to resume or not?

This is what I received from agent that has organized these in the past......

 

”They are no longer available at the moment due to the recent shift in positions.

 

Hopefully this changes soon."

 

My suggestion would be to take that option off the table.

[tonray]

2 hours ago, Hal65 said:

Does anyone know what is causing the suspension of this scheme

The likely fact that these people are not actually doing any volunteering ?

[Peterw42]

I think it needs to be clarified, Legitimate volunteer extensions are still going ahead, some bogus volunteer visa's are not.

 

Different agents have different charities/foundations that they "work" with. Some of those "arrangements" have come to an end.

 

 

[Lite Beer]

Quote

Does anyone know what is causing the suspension of this scheme and whether it is likely to resume or not?

The fact that they are mostly illegal might give you a clue.

[mockingbird]

1 hour ago, Lite Beer said:

The fact that they are mostly illegal might give you a clue.

You've a real bee in your bonnet as to how Thai immigration police fund their operations.

 

Why don't you send them an email, and tell them you'll expose their shoddy practices unless they stop.

Include your real name and passport number, so they know you are serious.

Edited November 8, 2021 by mockingbird

[Lite Beer]

2 hours ago, mockingbird said:

You've a real bee in your bonnet as to how Thai immigration police fund their operations.

 

Why don't you send them an email, and tell them you'll expose their shoddy practices unless they stop.

Include your real name and passport number, so they know you are serious.

No need. Remember the shady Thai language school visa mill?

That ended eventually.

So will this.

[JoseThailand]

7 hours ago, tonray said:

The likely fact that these people are not actually doing any volunteering ?

They're volunteering their money to the Thai economy through immigration officials' pockets.

[JoseThailand]

5 hours ago, Lite Beer said:

The fact that they are mostly illegal might give you a clue.

Nothing is illegal in Thailand as long as those who can make it illegal are paid.

[mockingbird]

2 hours ago, Lite Beer said:

No need. Remember the shady Thai language school visa mill?

That ended eventually.

So will this.

Hate to burst your bubble there chief, but the language school visa mill is alive and well.

[Caldera]

2 hours ago, Lite Beer said:

No need. Remember the shady Thai language school visa mill?

That ended eventually.

I think you're in for a surprise. Not only did it NOT end, certain language schools even managed to get Non-Ed visas issued at immigration when Covid made visa runs to nearby embassies impossible. That hadn't been an option previously, so far from being gone, those "visa mills" have proven that they're quite enterprising and able to adapt.

 

Even if one corrupt "visa" scheme were to end for good, I think it's a given that another one will pop up. Why would immigration leave money on the table that is up for grabs?

[Hanuman2547]

A friends daughter just arrived in Thailand about two months ago to begin a Mormon Church mission for 16 months.  As it is all volunteer, immigration must be issuing some type of "volunteer visa".  Perhaps UbonJoe could provide more info on this.

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Hanuman2547 said:

A friends daughter just arrived in Thailand about two months ago to begin a Mormon Church mission for 16 months.  As it is all volunteer, immigration must be issuing some type of "volunteer visa".  Perhaps UbonJoe could provide more info on this.

The OP is asking about non O volunteering and 12 month extension arranged by an agent.

In that instance no volunteering is actually undertaken. 

The friend's daughter is doing something different. Seems she would be volunteering and would have the required paperwork that would involve the organization etc.

 

[Lite Beer]

1 hour ago, Hanuman2547 said:

A friends daughter just arrived in Thailand about two months ago to begin a Mormon Church mission for 16 months.  As it is all volunteer, immigration must be issuing some type of "volunteer visa".  Perhaps UbonJoe could provide more info on this.

Your friend's daughter is actually going the legal route so should be ok.

[ubonjoe]

4 hours ago, Hanuman2547 said:

A friends daughter just arrived in Thailand about two months ago to begin a Mormon Church mission for 16 months.  As it is all volunteer, immigration must be issuing some type of "volunteer visa".  Perhaps UbonJoe could provide more info on this.

I think she may of entered on a non-r visa for missionary work and then a one year extension  for the same reason.