Well, after the alarm of yesterday, I went back to the embassy to try and clarify the situation. I was there just after 8am; they open at 9, but I was determined to be early this time! There were only a dozen or so people there before me, so I got served pretty quickly when they did open.

I think that the woman I dealt with yesterday must have been in a really bad mood or something. The young lady I spoke to today couldn’t have been more helpful. Yes, there is a form; I could get a copy from the reception desk. The examination could only be done at Singapore General Hospital. It would be ready for collection in the middle of next week, which would mean coming to apply for the visa on Thursday - the day before I fly - and paying a bit extra for same-day processing… She told that when I did come back, I should come straight to her window, no need to take a ticket and wait! Oh, and the scanned copies of the documents would be fine, no problem at all. (Although, having spoken to the university yesterday, the originals are already on their way with Fedex).

She even suggested that it might be easier for me if I just go to Beijing on a tourist visa, and get it converted to a working visa after I get there - and get the medical check done there as well. Perhaps this is what the university meant…

Still, I’m not really keen on assuming that would go smoothly - the last thing I would want is to be stuck in China unable to work because of some problem…. Plus, when it comes to medical issues, I want to be sure I can communicate fluently with the doctor (not that I anticipate any problem, but still…) So, I headed straight to SGH (which is just around the corner from my apartment) and got the checkup done there and then. It’ll be ready next Wednesday, and maybe sooner.

Relief… what a pity I got someone so unhelpful yesterday!

2 Comments »

1. 

   Nearly the same thing happened to me here in Taiwan. Finally, I have a permanent alien residence certificate, which is so great: Never to go back to those bureucrates, no exit or reentry permit necessary.
   All with you!
   Hermann

   Comment by bai yiming — February 14, 2008 @ 6:34 pm

2. 

   I know what is like.

   Some attendants simply do not wish to attend.

   Comment by Stephan — February 14, 2008 @ 8:49 pm

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