We'd like to explain what has happened with the visas here in Ecuador, since there seems to be a bit of confusion and people asking us why we are leaving in December. So let us explain what's happened.
For many, many years, here in Ecuador, the government has offered a Religious Volunteer Visa, the 12-VII visa. This visa allows religous volunteers, such as ones coming to do missionary or volunteer work to remain and live in the country on a 2-year basis. Each 2 years, the visa is easily renewed for another 2 years for a mere $200+/-. This is extremely convenient for all of us serving here because the cost is very low, there are no hassles in obtaining or renewing the visa, and we only have to do so every 2 years.
In order to qualify for the visa, the religious organization must vouch for you and provide the necessary paperwork and legal documentation proving that we will be working for them, unpaid, and under their supervision. The branch approves all brothers and sisters in full time service with good recommendations from their local elders, as well as occassionaly those who are not currently in full-time service, but whose circumstances would likely make that possible in the near future and who can still make a large contribution to the preaching here.
Thousands of need-greaters have used this visa over the years and made it possible for them to stay for as long as they like. Some brothers and sisters have been here for over 20 years on this visa.
About 5 months ago, we received an e-mail, along with everyone currently under the 12-VII visa, with some shocking news. They explained that the Governing Body sent out a letter to all branches clarifying the procedure and legal regulations to follow, as set out in the Organized book when it comes to visa solicitations and aid to need-greaters. According to the Organized book, branches are not to become involved in the legal affairs of pioneers wishing to serve where the need is great. That unfortunately means not providing the legal documentation needed to get the Missionary Visa. So the letter very succinctly stated that this visa will no longer be available for our use. Once our current visa expires, they will no longer be renewed. This visa continues to be available to those in Special Full Time Service, such as bethelites, special pioneers, and gilead-trained missionaries.
So, that's that. Of course, this will drastically change the demographic of the preaching work in Ecuador since so many people are currently here working in the foreign field with this visa. Many have already left, and many more are leaving every day as their visas expire. If we want to continue our work here, we have to find a way into the country on our own, which means finding a different visa that applies to us and that we can get qualified for on our own. The 2 groups of need-greaters who are finding relatively easy ways to stay are those who can apply for residency and retirement visas. Residencey requires a $25,000 investment in the country, and retirement visa requires having a monthly pension. So this change is mostly affecting us poor yougnneed-greaters who can't apply for either of these. A tourist visa is only valid here for 3 months out of a 12-month period, so that's no good. A student visa requires full time enrollment in one of the qualifying Universties. A work visa requires full time work for a local company here, which is difficult to be accepted, and pays an average of $300 per month for full time work.
So, as of now, we have no way of staying permanantly anymore. We have not given up on finding an alternative way in, but that will have to wait until next year, as we will be spending the next 6-12 months back home.
What will we be doing back home you ask? Well, for one starting new jobs online. Our year-long medical transcription course is coming to a close. Tomorrow and Tuesday we take our final exams. As soon as we pass and graduate, we can start applying for online agencies, so we are excited about that.
Anyway, that's the skinny on the visa issue. We are sure Jehovah has a good reason for directing things this way, and we've been happy to see the positive attitudes of everyone losing their visas, trusting that their are always more ways and avenues to expand our ministry.
4 comments:
Interesting post. I previously thought this was isolated to the country of Ecuador, and was due to government action in the immigration office (essentially protectionism). Thanks for explaining.
I know a way you can stay..... And I'm sure plenty of brothers would love to help out!
Thanks so much for a detailed explanation, keep positive and Jehovah will do wonders no matter where you serve. Shelley (New Zealand)
What a great series of adventures you have had. We've enjoyed your experiences, stories, candor and honesty. If you ever think about Mexico we would love to have you in Manzanillo! English is in great need and is growing tons, as is much of Mexico. It is currently on the 'Needs Help" list if you write the branch. You'll get an idea of the area and life from our blog. Keep spending your life for Jah as I say "Carpe Verus Vitam!"
Much Agape,
- Dane
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