As regards getting paid, I wouldn’t take any notice of anything you read at tealit, or here for that matter. Contracts are hard to enforce, and basically it’s down to you and your employer to settle things. If you think there are going to be hard feelings then getting paid will be your biggest issue, and your ARC will be a minor matter. If you’re going to part ways amicably then just ask to be paid up after you finish.
Many people just get sick for a few days before payday, and then do a runner. Sad but true.
Your employer doesn’t issue your ARC, they sponsor a work permit which entitles you to obtain a resident visa, and then you get an ARC, although someone else may go and do the paperwork for you. It’s issued to you by the police, and the school can’t cancel it.
When you quit your job the school is required to notify the work permit people, and I think they have to state the last date on which you were/will be working for them. Until you have worked your last class you are still employed by the school, therefore no-one can move to cancel your work permit.
Once you have finished someone at the government starts cancelling your work permit, and then they tell the guy that is responsible for residency visas. After he gets around to cancelling your residency he notifies the police, and they are supposed to call and let you know that you are no longer entitled to stay in Taiwan.
Then they give you a short period to get your affairs in order, a week or so I think, but really it’s up to whoever you talk to. I once overstayed five weeks because the guy behind the desk took pity on me. Technically it wasn’t an overstay either, as he did something to my passport to make it OK.
So you probably have two full weeks after you finish, but I would strongly advise going to see the police. I imagine it’s a small office where you are. So if you go in, ask their advice, be polite, and go back every few days to ask whether you’re still OK then you will still be OK. When the time comes to give you your marching orders, er, I can’t make any promises but I’ve always found them to be very reasonable here in Taipei. And a pair of fine upstanding British breasts will no doubt be something that they will wish to keep around as long as possible. Smile a lot. Make them feel special. You’ll be here forever.
I’m not aware that there’s any linkage between your bank account and your visa status. Mine (chinatrust) was opened with an ARC and has never given me any problems.
Finally, forumosa is your friend but your country’s representative office is supposed to be there to serve too. Did you register with the BTCO when you got here? There are two BTCO wardens in Tainan, PM me for their contact details. They won’t get involved in a commercial dispute, ie claims for unpaid salaries, but it’s always nice to have someone official who can deal with the police for you if you get into trouble.
Finally, it may seem like a big deal now but this is all small stuff. Don’t worry about it. Try and time your departure to coincide with the next hapy hour and have a night out in Taipei before you leave. Some of those guys who gave you a hard time previously are quite likeable in real life.
Why are you leaving Taiwan??? I thought your BF had a “plum” job and a beautiful condo in the South. Let me guess 