KH,
Appreciate what you say. My view is QF are gearing things were there will be no option but to have the bulk of maintenance done out of the country. Leaving line stations manned by a large ratio of AME's to LAME's.
Working in SIN or KL can be a great experience, and you can make some $$.
A previous director of Startech (now changed it's name slightly) once told me that all scams rely on the suckers greed. Keep that in mind.
You apply and are accepted and make plans to go. They know this and also know it's hard to undo plans, ie-holidays can't be cancelled the day before you are supposed to start them.
Not all agencies are crooks but the ones that are play a few tricks.
Promise you an hourly rate in writing however on arrival there has been a huge problem and the rate will have to change. But don't worry, you'll be working a heap of hours and will make up for it.
Ring you just before you leave and instruct you to tell the check in staff at the airport that your someone's relative. Special staff ticket. Realise you are committing fraud.
Have a good read of the contract on offer. Beware of clauses like unable to work for another agency unless they give you a letter of release.
Get it is writing before you go the mail on tax. Some are trying a 10% witholding tax on guys. Do you get it back when you leave? Remember contracts can and are negotiated and not all the same.
Have a clear understanding of when you are going to be paid. One agency pays you for the month before last, so they always have a months worth of your money. Which certain deductions come out of when you leave.
If you sign a contract for say 6 weeks, which includes fares to and from. You are then asked to extend, are you entitled to go home for a weekend and then start new contract or offered compensation.
They supply a car for you. Only when you get in it after work the tank is empty. Their staff have been using it during the day.
PM me a contract and i will highlight it for you....................