How long to process WP and Visa documents?

[manonthemon]

Hi,

A friend of mine got a job offer in a well established school in Thailand. He submitted all the documents they required for processing of the WP and papers necessary to get a Non B Visa and started working - still on the tourist visa - like many people in this and other school do.

This was about 2 months ago. Since than my friend had no other option but to do another visa run which is quite costly and very inconvenient. Yet when he mentions that to the employer all he gets is that the documents are being pressed, that they cant give him any specific date when they will be ready and that it's up to him if he wants to stay with the school or not.

The thing is that he really likes the job and he's really committed to it - changing it will be a pain.

My question is - how long does it usually take to process the papers, is it normal that it takes so long?

[Mario2008]

For a school 2 months seems very long.

[digitalchromakey]

From some of the OP's previous posts, I think that Phuket is home and if so, Phuket Labour are now starting to run long delays again with 1-2 months being not that unusual.

[phuketrichard]

From some of the OP's previous posts, I think that Phuket is home and if so, Phuket Labour are now starting to run long delays again with 1-2 months being not that unusual.

my gf got her work permit in a week in phuket in April this year, then went to Penang ( June) and got her 1 year multi visa

[Colabamumbai]

If a school is regularly doing Non B paperwork and W.P. paperwork about an hour is what it takes for the school to photocopy documents and write a letter of invitation.

Too many schools lately are doing what yours is doing. All the teachers at one school here in Kalasin are on tourist visas.

Your school has had more than enough time.

[ubonjoe]

The school should of at least been able generate paperwork to get a B visa. For teaching the work permit application is not needed to get it.

[manonthemon]

Thank you for all the info.

What are the options my friend should consider? Any suggestions?

[ubonjoe]

Other than putting his foot down and demanding they get things sorted I can think of nothing.

One thing that might give a clue as to if they have done anything is to ask him if he has signed documents related to work permit,

As I wrote previously they should of at least given him paperwork for the B visa.

Info here: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15388-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22B%22-(for-Business-and.html

[Soutpeel]

Thank you for all the info.

What are the options my friend should consider? Any suggestions?

Have they even submitted the application, reading this, its suggests they may have not

[jrtmedic]

This and similar topics amaze me, I have worked in many places around the world.

I would not even get out of bed for a prospective employer who could not provide me with a detailed all inclusive contract of employment.

In my experience it is the employers responsibility to ensure that any work permits , visas and health care provision are in place. Many contracts I have taken also included provision for family, accommodation, Bi annual return home flights etc.

No good will come from sticking with a third rate employer who cannot be bothered with paperwork or the well being of employees.

Just my opinion !

[manonthemon]

I'm there with you. But when the offer comes form one of the biggest, most famous schools on the island you'd expect it to be genuine.Especially that my friend made it very clear that it's a big move for him, that his moving to Phuket with his family just because of this offer and he's making this decision under one condition - that his visa situation will be in order.

I've been screwed by schools myself, I ended up in the labor department with one of the agencies that tried to scam me - and I kind of understand when these things happen with some dodgy agencies. But how come a big, popular school has problems with getting visas for their workers? What is so hard about it?

[jrtmedic]

I live on the island and am personally acquainted with the headmaster of "one of the biggest, most famous schools"

If the full unadulterated facts are PM'd to me I will ensure they are passed on.

[Soutpeel]

This and similar topics amaze me, I have worked in many places around the world.

I would not even get out of bed for a prospective employer who could not provide me with a detailed all inclusive contract of employment.

In my experience it is the employers responsibility to ensure that any work permits , visas and health care provision are in place. Many contracts I have taken also included provision for family, accommodation, Bi annual return home flights etc.

No good will come from sticking with a third rate employer who cannot be bothered with paperwork or the well being of employees.

Just my opinion !

Your correct,

25 years + working all over the world for me and I still dont understand how some one would come to work in a foreign country and not have their paperwork and contractual affairs in order.....

Or is it a case that the employers know farangs are desperate to live/work in Thailand and prospective employees are prepared to put up with this for their day in sun ?

[Soutpeel]

I've been screwed by schools myself, I ended up in the labor department with one of the agencies that tried to scam me - and I kind of understand when these things happen with some dodgy agencies. But how come a big, popular school has problems with getting visas for their workers? What is so hard about it?

The visa is generally not the problem to get..its the WP usually, thats the "piece of paper" that causes the issue...