Non Imm O Hull Through The Mail

[MeaMaximaCulpa]

You are 35 and seemingly intelligent, you should have no problems getting a job in Thailand. And not only as an English teacher.

Use the ED extension for a year or two, to learn Thai and perhaps some other skills required here. Then get a non-imm B, WP and a job.

And get a haircut, and stop smoking!

[Lite Beer]

Hang on!!

Lite Beer: you say If you are going to apply in Thailand you do not need Police Clearance..... I presume you are talking about an O/A (retirement visa extension)

but Dr Pat Pong says: The police clearance certificate is ONLY a feature required of ....... applicants of Non Immigrant O-A visa's

Although I have a few years to go before I hit the big 50 and get an O/A visa, I am keeping abreast of things (as the actress said to the bishop).

Anyone?!!

As said before .You get a O-A Retirement Visa at your home Thai Embassy before you come to Thailand. Police Report needed.

In Thailand you extend a Non O Visa for 1 year based on Retirement. Police Report not needed.

[Lite Beer]

My thinking is that the Hull Consulate is the equivalent of the Korat Immigration Office.

Fair, helpful and friendly without offering you anything you are not entitled to. As all these places should be.

[jstumbo]

Fair, helpful and friendly without offering you anything you are not entitled to. As all these places should be.

Like mutiple entry non-immigrant O visas for visiting friends?

[Lite Beer]

Fair, helpful and friendly without offering you anything you are not entitled to. As all these places should be.

Like mutiple entry non-immigrant O visas for visiting friends?

Why Not?

[lopburi3]

MFA reasons for issuance of Non Immigrant Visa

1. REQUIREMENT

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes:

((cut))

- other activities (Category "O") as follows:

to stay with the family, to perfrom duties for the state enterprise or social welfare organizations, to stay after retirement for the elderly, to receive medical treatment, to be a sport coach as required by Thai Government, to be a contestant or witness for the judicial process.

[A_Traveller]

As I have always understood it Hull is a singular case for historic reasons which cannot be discussed here owing to forum rules, and they have taken a liberal view of the rule set, which is tolerated.

Regards

/edit typo//

Edited March 13, 2008 by A_Traveller

[sweetchariot]

I wonder if the new Ambassador in the UK will shake things up

[MeaMaximaCulpa]

Yes I wonder when consulates like Hull and Olso and suchlike will be banned for their very lenient issuing of visas. The less said the better I guess (oups). It wasn't my fault, I didn't do it...

[sabaijai]

Yes I wonder when consulates like Hull and Olso and suchlike will be banned for their very lenient issuing of visas. The less said the better I guess (oups). It wasn't my fault, I didn't do it...

Actually honorary consulates - such as Hull - have a great deal of discretion. As long as they keep their forms and stamps up to date, they can issue visas in almost any way they see fit. Unlike Thai-national consuls, who are employees of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they are non-Thai 'freelancers' who received their box of stamps, etc, as a tribute to connections to Thailand, whether business or social. I don't think the MFA actually has the authority to revoke their consular status, which has typically been conferred by other entities (not infrequently, Thailand's royal family). I'm not 100% sure about this notion that they can't revoke, but in the 30+ years of my association with Thailand, during which I've met perhaps 10 or 11 honorary Thai consuls, I've never heard of an honorary Thai consulate being closed down for being too lenient.

[jstumbo]

That makes more sense then. I always thought that they were more like part time consuls that Thailand would hire to cover more ground in a country. Where they did not want to have a full consulate, and they would just have a guy they hire.

I did not realize that they were posts that were bestowed on people by officials and even the royal family.

I guess in that case, they can pretty much do whatever they want and people would not want to close them down, which would result in a loss of face by both the consul and the person who bestowed the honor on them.

I wonder do they get to keep the money from the visas they process, or does that go to the Thai government.

Edited March 13, 2008 by jstumbo

[bsided69]

Maybe this might or might not be of help,

I returned to Birmingham UK 24. 12.07 and landed there on 25.12.07 with EK EMIRATES for 38600 baht it was an open ended return flight valid for 12 months. I applied in person at Birmingham consul for a multi entry non-B, the cost was GBP 105. This was 100 quid for the visa and a fiver for turning up at the consul. He didn't even need the S.A.R ( police report ) saying that I will need it for my work permit. The man took my papers and cash then disappeared into an office I went to the toilet on he first floor and he was waiting for me when I got back, I must have been away no more than 5 minutes. Oustanding service.

All the best

If only all embassys were the same or even half as good as Hull. The Embassy in London went as far as denying the Non im O even exsisted. The Hull embassy is as straight forward as anything can be. Just download the forms and fill in the spaces. I even called up to speak to a Lovely lady who took her time to talk me through a few questions I had a bout a different matter. We actually got chatting about places we had been in Thailand. A++ for them.

[tattoodrob]

That makes more sense then. I always thought that they were more like part time consuls that Thailand would hire to cover more ground in a country. Where they did not want to have a full consulate, and they would just have a guy they hire.

I did not realize that they were posts that were bestowed on people by officials and even the royal family.

I guess in that case, they can pretty much do whatever they want and people would not want to close them down, which would result in a loss of face by both the consul and the person who bestowed the honor on them.

I wonder do they get to keep the money from the visas they process, or does that go to the Thai government.

im pretty sure they get a percent,see the managers got a ferrari now

good on em for being lenient with the rules

[Flhai]

They are not really being lenient on the rules just using the power they have to exercise the way they think things should be done with issuance of visas. I think it is great and reading about the 85 year old history of the honorary consulate I rather doubt that anything will change. I can't see any bureaucrats risking their shinny uniform or position by messing with Royal contacts. The kind (HA!) lady in Singapore told a friend of mine this week that you can only have one tourist Visa per year and only for 1 entry! Where is that rule???? She then went on to explain that if someone has a holiday for more the 90 day the simple fact is that he/she must be working. How many people do you know that have one or even two years off after a long career? Or even a year off whenever they feel like it because they have means... I know many. None of these guys follow the "guidelines", MFA "rules" or even the immigration act because they don't have to! Almost everything is at their discretion.

Edited March 14, 2008 by Flhai

[Flhai]

Maybe someone should go to Hull and ask for an ED Visa for coming to Thailand to study the inconsistencies of Visa Issuance and immigration law interpretation. They would probably give you a 5 year, drinks and sandwiches while you wait 5 minutes for the Visa and a limo to the airport.

[Big A]

The point I was trying to make was; let's say, for example, all Thai embassies and consulates in the SE Asia region were to clamp right down and issue next to no Non Imm O (multi entry) visas while issueing only 3 month ones quite liberally, would the surge of Non Imm O (multi) from Hull entrants into Swampyboom raise an eyebrow or instigate an in-depth enquiry?

[Flhai]

The point I was trying to make was; let's say, for example, all Thai embassies and consulates in the SE Asia region were to clamp right down and issue next to no Non Imm O (multi entry) visas while issueing only 3 month ones quite liberally, would the surge of Non Imm O (multi) from Hull entrants into Swampyboom raise an eyebrow or instigate an in-depth enquiry?

IMHO.... NO

Why do so many people see Hull as doing the wrong thing? Do you think if 1000's of people complained about police asking for bribes relating to traffic violations and anything else for that matter the authorities would instigate an in-depth enquiry?? Don't think so. I don't want to be too cynical but in the LOS and in these times most need selfish motives to even attempt to change the status quo.... Not much happens unless heads are going to roll in high places or there is a financial gain of some kind. Where is the motive for anyone to change or risk messing with Hull??

Edited March 14, 2008 by Flhai

[Big A]

Then I needn't worry!!

I have been married for quite a few years, have well in excess of B400,00 in a Thai bank and can live here the rest of my life if I go to Hull every year (that is if the SE Asian consulates turn shitty)?

Edited March 14, 2008 by Big A

[Flhai]

What do you mean turn shitty? Been a turning for a while now.

[A_Traveller]

The position here is increasingly that the 'local' Embassies & Consulates are being pressured {or directed} to view the issuance of visas to individuals who are not normally domiciled in their area of responsibility with care. Ultimately I suspect there will be a formal move to 'country of passport issuance' being the prerequisite, except under specified circumstances, e.g. extending a vacation once, or being employed in the region.

This of course highlights the gap in the present structure, those who are able to 'retire' here but are under 50. It is to be hoped that the authorities would review this gap sensibly before moving, if they chose so to do, to a country of issue' position.

To be fair Thailand is not alone in this, nor is the position new. I can recall questions as to why I was applying for a visa {not for Thailand} outside the UK years ago. On another viewpoint, if I recall correctly the Egyptian consular service here actually runs a dual price structure to accommodate those travelling through, who wish to travel to Egypt.

Regards

PS As noted Hull is an unusual case, but does not break the rules, it simply takes a more compliant perspective to their implementation.

[Maestro]

In an ideal world nobody would need any visa to travel to any country. Since “O” in the non-O visa stands for “other”, Hull uses the discretion this allows to achieve an approximation to the ideal world.

True, the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a number of cases for which the non-O visa applies, but in order to know whether that list is exhaustive we would have to see the Ministerial Regulations issued on the basis of Section 34(15) of the Immigration Act:

Section 34 : aliens entering into the kingdom for a temporary stay may enter for the below listed activities

1. Diplomatic or Consular Missions.

2. Performance of official duties.

3. Touring

4. Sporting

5. Business

6. Investing under the concurrence of the Ministries and Departments concerned.

7. Investing or other activities relating to investing subject to the provisions of the law on

investment promotion.

8. Transit journey.

9. Being the person in charge of the crew of a conveyance coming to port, station , or area in

the Kingdom.

10. Study or observation.

11. Mass media.

12. Missionary work under the concurrence of the Ministries and departments concerned.

13. Scientific research or training or teach in a Research Institute in the Kingdom.

14. The practice of skilled handicraft or as a specialist

15. Other activities as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.

If anybody can get hold of these Ministerial Regulations I would be grateful for a copy, as I would like to add them to the pinned topic of laws and regualtions.

--

Maestro

[torrenova]

My thinking is that the Hull Consulate is the equivalent of the Korat Immigration Office.

Fair, helpful and friendly without offering you anything you are not entitled to. As all these places should be.

What a clear post. Why do some people here think that it is or should be difficult to get a non immigrant visa ? Why do people make statements of opinion as fact when they are clearly wrong. All that balony about having to to be in the UK is just that balony and yet some people here will look at the people who write it and see that they have x thousand posts and believe them. Some people actually believe what Hull themselves say funnily enough.

As for clamping down then can someone please tell me why on earth Thailand would ask Hull to employ stricter guidelines ? Just out of interest, what percentage of people who obtain non immigrant visas do you actually think have some problems or do something illegal in LOS ? And people without visas never do anything wrong ?

The only reason why people like Hull and are looking at getting visas without returning to the UK is because Thailand hasn't a clue about what to do with people who are under 50 years old but who want to stay for extended periods of time. The witdrawl of the permanent 30 day border jump is fine but before doing so they should have thought about what to put in its place. The same is true with repeat tourist visas. There are no rules which say that you cannot have back to back TVs forever but they just think up one crazy idea after another and now that becomes difficult.

[Flhai]

A1 to that! Tell me what is good about the Korat Immigration Office? Never been there myself.

[paully]

many people I know have FedEx'd their passports to friends in the UK, who in turn have posted it to Hull, gotten a years Non-O visa and had it FedEx'd right back to them while staying in neighboring S/E Asian countries. It probably does not follow the spirit of the law.

You're right there, it doesn't - and the risk is yours.

Edited March 14, 2008 by paully

[Lite Beer]

A1 to that! Tell me what is good about the Korat Immigration Office? Never been there myself.

Friendly and helpful. Can sit and chat with them without thinking you are in front of the Gestapo.

They wont do you any favours but will tell you the way to go.

[Savanna]

I was going to post my passport to Hull from South Africa but on visiting the SA Consualte I was informed that the Thai authorities are trying to get the guy in Hull removed from the consulate as he is giving everyone and anyone non immigrant type O visas even if they do not qualify. His only concern is money and if you have the money you will receive the visa. The Thai guy in SA also mentioned that border police where being asked to clamp down on people with visa's from Hull. How true this is I will not know, perhaps the Thai guy in SA was just trying to stop me from applying via post.

[Flhai]

I was going to post my passport to Hull from South Africa but on visiting the SA Consualte I was informed that the Thai authorities are trying to get the guy in Hull removed from the consulate as he is giving everyone and anyone non immigrant type O visas even if they do not qualify. His only concern is money and if you have the money you will receive the visa. The Thai guy in SA also mentioned that border police where being asked to clamp down on people with visa's from Hull. How true this is I will not know, perhaps the Thai guy in SA was just trying to stop me from applying via post.

How are they going to "clamp down" on a person with a legal Visa? Don't think so. As long as he does it and has the authority to do it they are 100% legit.

Edited March 15, 2008 by Flhai

[dr_Pat_Pong]

What is certainly not legal is to apply for the visa when you are in Thailand.

The relevant information is here: http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/pdfs/Ab%20%20...tion%20Pack.pdf

Please note that the visa is solely concerned with Thailand and the rules relating to the issue of visas for that country. It is not the responsibility of the Thai consulate to worry about visa and residence rules in any other countries, including the UK. I understand that they will only post your passport back to an address in the United Kingdom.

Out of interest, it is possible to fly back to the UK overnight, get to Hull and get back to the airport for a flight back the same evening. I have reseacrhed this from both Heathrow and Manchester. I would not advise it, but if time is precious of cash limited, this is an option. Perhaps a shower at the airport would be in order ! The cheapest other alternative is to stay one night in the UK, either in Hull or near your airport.

Whilst multi entry non imm visas can be obtained from Oz (and they will confirm this by email) and the flights to Oz are sometimes much cheaper than to the UK, there is usually a waiting period of 2 to 3 days to receive your visa which obviously adds to the cost. A middle east airline to the UK and all other fees can mean a cost of less than Bt60,000 all incusive.

18 months ago it took me an hour to get a multi-b in Perth (would have been less time but I got there at lunch)

at least you were physically present.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I was going to post my passport to Hull from South Africa but on visiting the SA Consualte I was informed that the Thai authorities are trying to get the guy in Hull removed from the consulate as he is giving everyone and anyone non immigrant type O visas even if they do not qualify. His only concern is money and if you have the money you will receive the visa. The Thai guy in SA also mentioned that border police where being asked to clamp down on people with visa's from Hull. How true this is I will not know, perhaps the Thai guy in SA was just trying to stop me from applying via post.

How are they going to "clamp down" on a person with a legal Visa? Don't think so. As long as he does it and has the authority to do it they are 100% legit.

[torrenova]

many people I know have FedEx'd their passports to friends in the UK, who in turn have posted it to Hull, gotten a years Non-O visa and had it FedEx'd right back to them while staying in neighboring S/E Asian countries. It probably does not follow the spirit of the law.

You're right there, it doesn't - and the risk is yours.

I agree with you completely that "the risk is yours" but let's qualify the risk here. The risk is not with the Thai visa but rather the immigration rules in the country from where you send your passport to the UK. To my knowledge, most countries require you to have your passport available for inspection. Not having your passport would indeed be a risk.