QUOTE:
This is an example of corrupt people with friends in the right places. It does happen, but it costs you a big brown envelope full of money and some serious 'guanxi'.
Mat, I most certainly didn't hand over any envelopes stuffed with money. It was all above board, as far as I am aware. It cost me just the basic visa fee and, of course, the medical exam charges.
Also, this college is not some shady setup. It's an established institution with a sprawling campus, with excellent premises and good work environment, and they're here to stay. I strongly doubt, from what I've seen of them, that they would resort to blatantly illegal practices. But of course I have no idea how they went about it. It may be possible that they paid something on my behalf, but I certainly am not aware of it.
However, even if you are right, I see no problem with the alternative I suggested, which was going to Hong Kong for a work visa once he got a job. Is that illegal too? And the experience in China would benefit him, as I mentioned earlier. It would be far better than landing up here after getting the job, with absolutely no idea what the environment looks or feels like.
And it may be easier to get the job if the "boss" can actually see him and talk to him. Some Chinese have hang-ups about "not being able to understand Indian English", and he may be able to set those doubts at rest by being here in person and talking to software people in the company. There's a lot more to it than just a visa.
Anyway, I'm not selling anything, so it's his choice
Albert
jerryzhou
and can pay the large sums of money to skip the usual process. It's common practice everywhere, and trust me I speak from experience.
