VISA - BUSINESS OR TOURIST?

[martincymru]

How many of you have been sent somewhere outside Singapore to do some "work" (say one day only) and instructed by your company or others "go on tourist visa, cheaper and less hassle".

This always worries me. It's very common procedure here (I think). Any thoughts?

[Strong Eagle]

Never done it any differently... because in most countries a business visa has all sorts of requirements.

Why are you worried? Traffic in and out of any major Asian city is business people.

[martincymru]

Some years ago I was informed of a raid on a western office in Batam. They took away all the passports of the management (about 20 of them). Some were only visitors for a meeting (couple of days) but had tourist stamps.

"what are doing in a factory/office if you are a tourist"

Not sure of the outcome but I believe some bribes were paid.

[JR8]

I always understood (*rightly or wrongly*) that's if you're simply there for meetings/not earning a local income etc it's not a problem.

That's what I did in SG/JP/US, with never a question; maybe a few days, maybe 2 weeks. If I was going on local payroll it would be a different matter. It's what we all did, it was as near as matters mandated corporate policy, from a very astute, locally attuned and 'law-abiding' employer.

[martincymru]

JR8: So if you if you were asked by immigration at airport "what are you doing here" you would have said "I want a tourist visa but please take note I am not here as a tourist, I am here for a 2 day business meeting".

Am I correct?

[JR8]

No, I'd say I'm here for 1-2 days in our office here, just for some meetings, and will also be spending 1-2 days as a tourist here.

[nakatago]

Just a little clarification, the US visa for tourist/business is the same: B1/B2. Hence the line in movies, "Are you here for business or pleasure?"