Being serviced by airport immigration

[Seekingasylum]

why would anyone pay a "Service Fee" if all their papers were in order?

His papers might be in order but the Immigration Officer holds the trump card.
The Permission to Stay date is at the discretion of the officer.

The discretion is only exercisable within the rules, not his whim.

[DrAndy]

They will also tell you that they choose not to live here anymore because of the awful corruption... not because they were shafted by the officials they stood up to. Where is Smeg when you need him?

Smeg is living the life of Riley in Italy, with the sexiest rich Thai girl ever

[DrAndy]

The discretion is only exercisable within the rules, not his whim.

the rules allow him plenty of leeway

someone we all know had a proper visa to enter the kingdom but was refused entry on arrival and turned back