Cancelling a WP and power of attorney

[Thomastomasson]

Hi, 

 

Sorry if this question has been answered before, but I couldn't find an appropriate answer. 

 

To cut a long story short I have been working for a teaching agency for the school year and it has almost come time for me to move on (since the school year is almost over) Anyway, I have a new job lined up starting in the semester break. This falls in line with my original written contract from the teaching agency, however it does not join up with my work permit dates and contract information provided to the ministry of Labour (I'm sure you can join the dots). My employer is not playing ball and refusing to provide a letter of my last day of employment and will not fill in the power of attorney form found on the wp_cancellation form on the labour ministries website (they have power of attorney). It seems they are trying to force my hand in to signing with them for another year. Can I cancel my work permit without the power of attorneys say so? If not, can I just take a short holiday elsewhere and come back on a tourist visa (without getting a valid re-entry permit) to cancel the WP this way? Or does the second option create problems for me when my new company applies for the WP?

 

Thanks for any help you can provide. 

 

 

[Rhys]

Interesting....

 

You're  trying to get the school to do something they don't want to...do you have your work permit?  Did you pay the fee for it?  If you did then just go down and turn it in...

It seems you are going to go out and in... School and the IO don't like to do this, even if it is an established procedure.   Wait for the Sage U Joe to come in with more insights...

 

 

[BruceMangosteen]

You can cancel your Work Permit yourself, in person, but please be aware that the VISA associated with it, either an actual VISA or an extension of one, becomes void that very day. You must either convert to another VISA/extension or leave the country. Same day, no grace period. It may be possible to extend for seven days after you cancel the Work Permit, depends on the mood of Immigration. The fact you gave a power of attorney to the agency doesn't void your own ability to act on your own behalf. The issue of the contract terms isn't in play, nobody cares about that as like I say, you have the right to cancel the Work Permit. I don't think simply leaving the country, and entering on a different type of VISA would automatically cancel the Work Permit via some computer inter-link. It might legally, but that isn't always the issue. When you go for a new Work Permit naturally you will be asked if you have one "now" and you can either present it saying they promised to cancel it or just present it saying nothing. If they are holding the Work Permit, you can again say they refused to cancel it putting the matter back on them. It shouldn't impact your next Work Permit. As usual of course, all of this can be solved with money. Unfortunately money dictates actions in Thailand and many other countries, not good faith efforts.  

[Rhys]

Is there still a fine, for both you and the school if you do not cancel your wp and pull a runner and then return to work sometime in the future?

 

[chrisinth]

1 hour ago, BruceMangosteen said:

You can cancel your Work Permit yourself, in person, but please be aware that the VISA associated with it, either an actual VISA or an extension of one, becomes void that very day.

I don't think you are relaying correct information here. If the OP is on an extension from his local IO then yes, the extension will become invalid.

 

If the OP is working on a visa, single or multi entry non-O or B issued by an embassy or consulate, then that visa will remain OK until it's expiry date.

[Thomastomasson]

Thanks for the replies. It is reassuring to hear that I can cancel my WP without the company issuing the aforementioned letters. I'm quite happy to leave on the same day too, but thanks for the clarification. Your help is much appreciated. 

[Thomastomasson]

Oh and to clarify, my visa was a single entry B visa, I'm now on extension of stay so I guess the first two posters are correct.

 

I also have the permit in my possession and I paid for it. Unfortunately for me, the agency I have been working with are not exactly forthcoming and chose to use underhanded tactics to keep me working for them. I'm glad that I could get such clear advice from the forums! Thanks.