Finding a Job in Macau
Hi
I'll be moving to Macau in January with my Fiance (who already has a job on a Casino Show).
I need to find myself a job, but have absolutely no idea where to start. It doesn't appear that I can just rock-up and get one, does anyone know if I arrive without a visa, I can move on to a work visa whilst i'm there? Or do I have to do all that outside the country?
Also, where is the best place to try and find a job? I'm not picky about what I do...
Cheers
Jon
Hi Jon,
Unlike the US and other places, you can get a work visa while being here. Will you be a dependant on your fiancee's blue card? It seems you'll be. Once you're here, you'll have to rely on your potential employer doing the papers for you, but it normally takes time. Anyway, casinos are normally faster, as they put the pressure on the Government to get things done. What kind of job are you looking for? You can post your resume in the classified section of this site and have a look at the vacancies in the casinos' websites. Keep in mind, beside those already open, there are a bunch of new hotels and casinos opening in up to a year time, so they are probably looking for specific talents.
Good luck
DrPoi
Hi Jon,
One little detail, you won't be able to make any use of your fiancee's blue card until you're actually married.
Yes, you can start processing your papers while holding a tourist visa. The important point is to do all that within your visa validity plus whatever extensions and additional exit-entry stamps you'd be given by the Immigration. All-in-all you can count of a total of 1,5-2 months of available time, which practically means you should start processing your papers on the Day 1 of your stay in Macau.
Try to talk to potential employers NOW.
Good luck
Leo
Leo
I understand about the Blue Card, as my fiance has had information from her employer about this. When you mean i should start processing my papers, do you mean that I can get a work visa without having a job? Can I process this myself? Or do I need a job offer to start processing my visa?
I am trying to talk to potential employers, but not getting anywhere fast...
A blue card is only issued by the immigration department once you are employed or a dependant of an employed person. The company has to handle the details of processing the card for you.
Hi Jon,
A good idea would be to have your potential employer preparing your blue card paperwork even before you arrive, so that everything gets submitted soon after your arrival to Macau.
The whole purpose of this is to gain some time for paper processing before your last visa/extension expires.
In good truth, you don't actually have to work in order to have a blue card, it's the other way around: you can't work without one. I.e. you can have a work visa without having an actual job, yes.
The blue card is a consequence of a contract, signed between yourself and a company/organization named as your employer, and approved by the government.
You can legally start working from the date of the letter ("Despacho") of the Secretary for Economy (although you won't know about it until the Human Resources Office informs you).
Why would I say that is because if someone's caught working while his/her papers are still under processing, the period of illegal work will be counted from whatever date as proven by court as the first day of work till the date of "Despacho."
The other effect of "Despacho" and another letter from Human Resources Office (aka "The Letter"), with the copy of "Despacho" in attachment, is that you will be immediately entitled for visa extension which makes further "in-and-out" trips unnecessary. In extreme situations (last day of visa etc.) it is possible to apply for extension once you know or have been informed about existence of "Despacho" with the positive outcome even before receiving the original letter from Human Resources.
Blue card processing with the Immigration may take a couple of weeks, but that's already irrelevant to your stay in Macau or to the fact of working. With "The Letter" and a police receipt on hand you're a free man.
If you arrange a "friend-employer" instead of a de-facto-employer to sign your contract, you can make all the running and submitting on your own, but you will need their signatures and stamps on the documents.
Few things that you can do to speed up your paperwork are preparing a very good CV and making certified true copies of your personal documents in Macau notary office in advance. I am not selling any service here :), but you may also need some of your papers translated and certified as well. That takes some working days too.
The info above is public domain, hope you find it useful. If you need anything specific, feel free to PM.
Leo