16 ms·

> This rule is clearly explained on the back of the immigration declaration form Is this in English/other languages, or just in Mandarin? The only part of thi

> This rule is clearly explained on the back of the immigration declaration form Is this in English/other languages, or just in Mandarin? The only part of this story that I find particularly egregious is the part where he was made to sign a form that was only in Mandarin.

PakG1 9y ago
Mandarin is the local rule of law language. All contracts I've ever signed that were dual language say that if any conflicts arise, the Chinese language contract will be the one used to settle the dispute. This is reasonable. You would not have immigration officers in the US telling people to sign documents written in Chinese, would you? For one thing, local officials would be unable to process those papers efficiently. Whether or not lawyers are present who can help ensure due process and explain to the person what's being signed is a completely separate matter from which language should be used. edit: comments below would cause me to change my thoughts, though I'll leave the above text unedited for history's sake.
- garmaine 9y ago
  > This is reasonable. You would not have immigration officers in the US telling people to sign documents written in Chinese, would you? Well they do, for the record, if you enter at the right port.
- ajdlinux 9y ago
  Australian immigration and customs officials will supply translations of the main forms for all the major European and Asian languages that travellers tend to speak and interpreters for cases where they're considering refusing clearance or cancelling a visa. I would expect most Western countries would have the ability to do that.
starky 9y ago
It is in English on the back of the immigration form. There is really no excuse for not knowing about it. As mentioned in the article, you don't need to worry about it if you stay in a proper hotel, only if you are staying at someone's residence.

PakG1 9y ago

Mandarin is the local rule of law language. All contracts I've ever signed that were dual language say that if any conflicts arise, the Chinese language contract will be the one used to settle the dispute. This is reasonable. You would not have immigration officers in the US telling people to sign documents written in Chinese, would you? For one thing, local officials would be unable to process those papers efficiently. Whether or not lawyers are present who can help ensure due process and explain to the person what's being signed is a completely separate matter from which language should be used. edit: comments below would cause me to change my thoughts, though I'll leave the above text unedited for history's sake.

garmaine 9y ago
> This is reasonable. You would not have immigration officers in the US telling people to sign documents written in Chinese, would you? Well they do, for the record, if you enter at the right port.
ajdlinux 9y ago
Australian immigration and customs officials will supply translations of the main forms for all the major European and Asian languages that travellers tend to speak and interpreters for cases where they're considering refusing clearance or cancelling a visa. I would expect most Western countries would have the ability to do that.

starky 9y ago

It is in English on the back of the immigration form. There is really no excuse for not knowing about it. As mentioned in the article, you don't need to worry about it if you stay in a proper hotel, only if you are staying at someone's residence.