What options do teachers in Thailand have if they return without a re-entry permit after an extension on a Non-Immigrant B visa?

Oct 29, 2018
6 years ago
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, two teachers from my school, and overseen by their employment agency, recently went from visa exempt, non - b imm single based on working (education) then got an extension to stay based on wording through local immigration, all good. They both exited the kingdom to return to S.A/Zimbabwe for the end of term break but failed to obtain a re-entry permit? The first of the two has just returned to BKK and been admitted on a 30 day visa (I’m assuming visa exempt) with the IO stating that she would have to return to Surat Thani province to get her visa sorted. I’m thinking that this is a bust? And that they may have to repeat the process again (new non imm b single) or is there any way they can ‘revive/rescue the existing one?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Two teachers in Thailand, who had their visa extended, returned home for a break without securing a re-entry permit. Upon returning, one was admitted on a 30-day visa and advised to sort out her visa in Surat Thani. The situation raises concerns about their previous visa status and whether they can revive it or will need to start the application process anew.
Robert *******
I looked around and it seems that in Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia in KL and Penang, not sure of Kota Bharu as JD mentioned his friend got it 45 days ago, there is no other option for African Citizens than to apply in their home country or nearest Thai Embassy if their country does not have a Thai Embassy. If it is fair or not, that is not up to us, these are the rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand. Inform your friends and future staff about this, if they got an Extension of Stay inform them about the use of the re-entry permit otherwise it will be a difficult and costly experience to start all over again.
Joe ***********
A friend of mine - a teacher from SA went to Kota Bharu about 45 days ago - got a Non B 90 days. Her husband also SA got a Dependent NonO
Joe ***********
These reply comments do not seem to have much to do with my original comment... wishful thinking it seems
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
That’s a good idea. She’s delayed her return flight once, if she can do it again then that would be the best option. 👍
Robert *******
@Darren ********
Send her the documents and let her apply for the Non Immigrant B before she even travel to Thailand.
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Joseph Michael Pedro III I’m just waiting to see what the schools plan of attack is. One teacher (the Zimbabwean) hasn’t even returned yet and is due back in two weeks. I doubt that she will want to return back AGAIN if that’s the case.
Joe ***********
As posted earlier, I have a SA friend who just processed a Non IMM B 90 day Visa at Kota Bharu only about 45 days ago
Joe ***********
- where is this Update Joseph Michael Pedro III where you know for sure that Kota Bharu will not process visas for SA people?
Lisa ***************
Zimbabwe can only try at Hong Kong apparently but not guaranteed same as Botswana. It's a big risk
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Update: yes they have to start the whole process all over again. 😕 and now as per update by Joseph Michael Pedro III probably have to source their visas somewhere other than Malaysia 🇲🇾
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes it seems that it’s not yet being enforced at Kota Bharu, but as Robert says, it’s a risk.
Robert *******
It means get all the paper works from th school and start the whole process again
Lisa ***************
@Ron ******
no not at all.
Ron *******
Zimbabwe passport holders cannot apply in Vietiane.
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lisa **************
what about Laos or other consulates, are you sure that Zimbabweans have no other option than to return home?
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Unfortunately despite my efforts, and the information of the well informed here, their agency assured them that everything was handled and lured them into a false sense of security, it’s a hard lesson to learn. Especially as a non imm b visa is now significantly harder to obtain. It’s seems that folk here are more up-to speed than some employers, lawyers and agencies.
Robert *******
@Lisa **************
The reason as you can read is they did not apply for it.
Lisa ***************
Zimbabwe cannot get visas anywhere except by returning to their home country unfortunately now. Is there a reason they did not get re-entry permits? Unfortunately the entire non B falls away upon exit and far as I know if u leave the country without a re-entry. We have had a Zimbabwean teacher recently and only Non B route is returning to Zim.
Ron *******
Reading that notice I'm sure it applies to Malaysia in general.
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes it was me that posted that, thanks for finding it 🙂 It’s dated the 9th of April, the two teachers in question, one from SA and the other from Zimbabwe got their visa’s months after this date, but now with borders increasingly being tightened I’m wondering if that’s still possible or anyone (from SA or Zimbabwe) has had any success or denials?
Robert *******
It is known that the Embassy in KL and the Consulate in Penang don't do this anymore, not sure of Kota Bharu but as it is also Malaysia I would not risk it.
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Also, they obtained their non imm b single visas
***
months ago from the Kota Bharu consulate in Malaysia, there’s been mention, even a document stating that South Africans may be required now to obtain their non imm b’s from their own country? Has there been any examples/evidence of this recently?
Darren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I thought so 😕 thank you Robert for confirming this.
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