China issues long-term visas to foreign talents
China will issue long-term visas to returning foreign talents in order to attract high-quality human resources to work in the country.
 |
According to domestic press, this type of visa will be valid from 5 to 10 years.
Eligible visa recipients include technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and scientists working in high-demand fields.
China has set goals for the country's economic and social development, and sees recruiting experts from abroad as key to achieving that.
When the plan was first considered, China said at least 50,000 foreigners would benefit from the policy.
Visa applications can be submitted online, are free of charge and are processed quickly, the government said.
Those granted a visa are allowed to stay in the country for 180 consecutive days and are allowed to bring their spouses and children.
In 2016, China introduced a ranking system for foreigners, aimed at determining the skills it wants to attract and reducing the number of low-skilled foreigners coming here.
According to a Chinese government document, those classified as “foreign talents” include Nobel laureates, high-achieving Olympic athletes, and directors of world-renowned art schools. Top scientists, heads of major enterprises, and professors at prestigious universities are also in this priority group.
