Working while permit is processing

[Holden1234]

Hi, 

 

First post. Apologies if I break any rules.

 

Please imagine the following situation. A foreigner in Thailand is offered a teaching job at a school, found through an agency. Unfortunately the foreigner will not manage to arrange their working permit and the associated visa before their expected starting date next week. Now both the school and the agency are telling the foreigner that they can start working at the school while their documents are still processing, which will take at least another month. The foreigner reckons that this is illegal and is hesitant, even though the agency insists that it is common practice. However, the foreigner needs a job. How should the foreigner proceed and why?

 

Thanks for the insights. 

[DrJack54]

Some thoughts in this thread. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1264017-signed-a-contract-but-have-yet-to-file-for-work-permit-what-are-the-options/

 

[Rob Browder]

1) It is illegal to work w/o a work-permit.

2) It is illegal to work while on a visa/extension which prohibits working.

3) It is "common practice" to hire foreigners and tell them "not to worry about it" - often during a 3 month "probation" period.
 

Most foreigners do not get caught.  But, if you get caught, they won't be able to help you from being arrested, jailed, deported, banned - all possible outcomes. 

 

IMO - if living in Thailand is not a high-priority, vs somewhere else (Cambodia, etc), then maybe it's worth the risk.  Alternatively, one can get that type of work in Cambodia, Vietnam, etc - then come back to Thailand afterwords.

[brewsterbudgen]

It is technically illegal, but also standard practice.  I've been teaching here for 20+ years and every school I've worked for has expected new teachers to start work while their work permit is being arranged.

[Quentin Zen]

There is ALMOST a ZERO percent chance you will get in trouble.   Just go to work.  Why?  Well, first of all, the school has tons of political weight in the community.  The police will not beat down a school, embarrass a school, or fine a school.   It's a lose-lose.  I've been at many schools, this is common practice.   I've also seen firsthand teachers in your position to leave school and come back an hour later because immigration (or someone) called the school and said they are doing a check.  This is also pretty rare.   So, yea, about a zero percent chance you get deported, etc.........  

 

If you are white and good-looking, then it goes to zero.    Now, you can still get fired and NOT paid because they know you can't go to court since you were working without a work permit....this I'm not sure about.   Yes, you have way less leverage not having this work permit, but I wouldn't worry if you show up on time (the most important part of the job) and look OK.   To be honest, you think you have leverage with a work permit, but they can fire you for any reason, and you might not be thrilled with your last paycheck.  The Labor Department doesn't force the school to pay you, there's still a court date or arbitration.  I don't know this firsthand, but I've known teachers pretty bitter about their departure and went to the labor department for advice.  

 

remember, you should also be deported, arrested, etc....for being with a hooker.    OK.  Millions do it, why aren't they all arrested!!! the police know where the hookers are!!!!! lol.   

 

Once you start working, you will realize this is just the first of a zillion headaches down the road.   keep us updated on all the red flags.  The agency and/or school might take advantage of you.  It's a good exploitation scheme.  I hope you have a degree.

 

 

[dinsdale]

Agree with @brewsterbudgen. Work Permit takes around 14 days to process and 15 days for Kurusapa (temporary teacher's licence).  Both are needed for a Non-B visa. Not sure why you're using the third person though. Are you asking for someone else? As for @Rob Browder and @Quentin Zen I suggest ignoring their comments. Personally I'm a long time and full time teacher here. 20 years +.