New Tourist Visa Extensions Process - Vetting, Interview, Etc.

[Rooster]

This new process is already being implemented.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ41J3XPgmE

[BrettGC]

Video breaking it all down and calming the usual knee-jerk reactions to changes.  Yep, the thumbnail is a little click-baity but the information given by a well-known and respected visa consultant in the interview is good. 

 

Basically they want people on the visas they're supposed to be on.. You know, like every other country in the world. 

Edited August 11 by BrettGC

[GeoffH]

True as far as it goes (I had no trouble extending another 2 months last week) but then I always exit just before I need an ecc and my record shows that.

It would be interesting to hear from tourist visa holders staying 2 years plus...

Edited August 11 by GeoffH

[JJReyes]

Visa renewal will remain a constant problem.  The reason is immigration authorities have a realized it is a good source for revenues.  Restrictions and rule changes creating unnecessary difficulties justifies the need for higher fees.

[Mike J]

It appears that they want to move long term foreign residents to a permanent resident visa.   Not sure why they just don't modify the law instead of trying to strong arm folks who are following existing law. 

[scott h]

44 minutes ago, Mike J said:

It appears that they want to move long term foreign residents to a permanent resident visa

Being on a 13A visa, I don't have a dog in this hunt. But in reading the comments, it occurs to me that as a whole we have become a jaded crew by living here long term . I am as guilty of this as anyone. 

Be it this topic or several others recently whenever an agency or politician comes out with what would be a commonsense regulation or procedure, we almost automatically either look for a conspiracy, a hidden agenda, a way to get votes or for a way for someone to line their pockets by fleecing others.

 

[earthdome]

5 hours ago, scott h said:

Being on a 13A visa, I don't have a dog in this hunt. But in reading the comments, it occurs to me that as a whole we have become a jaded crew by living here long term . I am as guilty of this as anyone. 

Be it this topic or several others recently whenever an agency or politician comes out with what would be a commonsense regulation or procedure, we almost automatically either look for a conspiracy, a hidden agenda, a way to get votes or for a way for someone to line their pockets by fleecing others.

 

Seems to me these are legitmate concerns when dealing with politicians and buearocracies anywhere in the world.

Edited August 12 by earthdome

[Lee1154]

Regardless of the type of visa, it seems that foreigners living here and spending their money is good for the country.

[OnMyWay]

A few guys on an Angeles City expat FB group said they renewed in the last day or two.  No changes.  One commenter mentioned what I have been thinking.  I hope the announcement is really about cracking down on Chinese who are working on tourist visas.

[hk blues]

2 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

A few guys on an Angeles City expat FB group said they renewed in the last day or two.  No changes.  One commenter mentioned what I have been thinking.  I hope the announcement is really about cracking down on Chinese who are working on tourist visas.

May well be linked to the Chinese situation and no more than a case of being seen to be doing something rather than actually doing something.