CraigHThe Streets Of China
March 23rd 2008 10:10
This one is a personal experience. In 2003, I lived a year in China. I was teaching English, as well as researching human rights abuses, including homelessness. Which later proved ironic, as I became one of China's homeless.
A corrupt immigration police officer claimed my visa had expired, and took my passport from me. This is in violation of international law, but apparently China doesn't subscribe to international conventions. I was told I must pay A$1,000 to get my passport back. I was given 48 hours to get the money, or I would be jailed.
Now there's a funny thing in China. Without a passport, I couldn't get into my hotel room. I couldn't get money out of the bank. I couldn't travel on buses or trains out of the city I was in (Guangzhou).
Oh. And there's nowhere I knew of that I could go to for help. I tried the Australian consulate, but they didn't want to know about it. I was on my own, they said.
I had met with several foreigners, as we called ourselves, from different countries, who had all told me similar things had happened to them. I had also talked to many of the local Chinese homeless. As far as I could determine, there are no real welfare organisations in most parts of China.
Certainly, I had no idea where to go to find help. There was no Red Cross, Salvation Army Wesley Mission, or any of the numerous charity organisations we take for granted in Australia. Once you ae in that sort of predicament, you are more or less on your own.
Luckily, I was only in this predicament for six weeks, before getting out of China into Thailand, then back to Australia (with more help from the US consulate then from the Australian consulate, I might add). But it was still long enough to get a real taste of what it is like to be on the streets in hostile countries.
Now maybe I was wrong. Maybe there are organisations that provide help, but nobody in the country seemed to know for sure. Can anyone tell me if there are welfare organisations in China? If so, where are they, when so many people are looking for them.
A corrupt immigration police officer claimed my visa had expired, and took my passport from me. This is in violation of international law, but apparently China doesn't subscribe to international conventions. I was told I must pay A$1,000 to get my passport back. I was given 48 hours to get the money, or I would be jailed.
Now there's a funny thing in China. Without a passport, I couldn't get into my hotel room. I couldn't get money out of the bank. I couldn't travel on buses or trains out of the city I was in (Guangzhou).
Oh. And there's nowhere I knew of that I could go to for help. I tried the Australian consulate, but they didn't want to know about it. I was on my own, they said.
I had met with several foreigners, as we called ourselves, from different countries, who had all told me similar things had happened to them. I had also talked to many of the local Chinese homeless. As far as I could determine, there are no real welfare organisations in most parts of China.
Certainly, I had no idea where to go to find help. There was no Red Cross, Salvation Army Wesley Mission, or any of the numerous charity organisations we take for granted in Australia. Once you ae in that sort of predicament, you are more or less on your own.
Luckily, I was only in this predicament for six weeks, before getting out of China into Thailand, then back to Australia (with more help from the US consulate then from the Australian consulate, I might add). But it was still long enough to get a real taste of what it is like to be on the streets in hostile countries.
Now maybe I was wrong. Maybe there are organisations that provide help, but nobody in the country seemed to know for sure. Can anyone tell me if there are welfare organisations in China? If so, where are they, when so many people are looking for them.
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Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
The Australian embassies tend to be useless when they want to be. Lazy public servants.
Comment by frogwellprincess
Have done what we think is right, but....
frogwellprincess
A Single Parent
Oh, how to master `Dirty Talk'
When forgiveness is a two way street
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Compelling story... but just the tip of the iceberg for you? OMG your experience is so vital and unique, you should be writing a book about it to help others left in this predicament... what a golden opportunity here...I hope you can (or have) seen it too?
Your research on welfare organisations and "what to do' when this happens wil be invaluable to others who may wander this same well-worn, corrupted track...
I could read about how you coped in a pinch for hours ... and I'm sure others will agree that with the world changing as it is now, this would be the definitive book for travellers and workers going to, or through China... of course it means you may never be able to go back there yourself (but you may never want to either after all this anyway) ... or better still that your work will wake them up to themselves ...yeah I know, dream on... but that day will come.
Oh thank you for sharing your experience, unfortunately I have only been to China once for a short stay and have nothing that can help you, unless they allow Christian convents there? From my tour and understanding there wasn't a homeless situation? It just goes to show how effective the porpaganda machine can be when it's wheeled out, doesn't it?
Fascinating post Craig, Perhaps you could try a PM to Amy Haug (Travel Log) or Ash (Flashes of Memories), they are both great travellers of orble who have been everywhere and know much more than most of us about far off places.
Good Luck
Lilla ...
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by CraigH
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My passport was taken because I refused to pay a bribe (oops, I mean "fine") for having an expired visa (which actually still had seven months left on it).
Lilla
My experience is far from unique. I met dozens of foreigners who had been in the same situation, and have read hundreds of similar experiences on Daves ESl Cafe and similar sites.
I have had a story published back in 2006 (Big Issue magazine) about this experience, as one of my regular double page features. I have also had several newspaper and radio interviews over the years.
The book will come hopefully come out one day...
Frogwelprincess
I survived because other foreigners, who had been in the same predicament, and knew about the corruption, helped me. It was just fortunate I had already been in China for almost a year, and knew a lot of people. many who fall into this trap know no one.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
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As a traveller myself, I'll look forward to the book... and more interesting posts .. (and now I know to beware), thanks.
Lilla ...
Comment by Jill Browne
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Since there were no helping agencies within China, I also wonder if others less adaptable than you were would have any luck seeking help from friends or agencies outside of the country.
It makes me rather reluctant to go there.
Compelling blog! I'm subscribing now.
Comment by Scott Rosenberg
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Of course, usual hassles with service in hotels etc. but not trouble with authorities - even after I belittled a tour guide one time for spewing the party line and not being able to think outside the box (I can be a hot head sometimes).
Could it be your status as an English teacher - generally the lowest rank tourist in a country.
My USA passport says (in Thai) I am a journalist which I am sure Chinese can not read.
Comment by Craig H.
Yeah. The perception of English teachers as low class tourists doesn't really exist now, as it did just a few years ago. English teachers these days need to have a work visa, not tourist. The work visa requires a degree to be able to get one.
Generally, English teachers are held in high regard, and get paid about triple what local teachers get (and for a lot less hours worked). Local business people, and parents were all very interested in being seen with us, at least at the schools I worked in.
I suppose it is because of the perception that Chinese authorities believe we have more money, is why resident westerners are targetted. Those of us that actually lived there for extended time, rather than on short term assignment, get to see the real China. We got to be known to the authorities and local people.
We got to see the real China, not what the tour guides and government officials wanted to show us. It can be a beautiful and awesome place, but there are always perils that we needed to be aware of. I was careless, and got caught out.