Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

IN a bid to clarify the intricate landscape of immigration policies, a high-caliber seminar unfolded at the German Chamber of Commerce’s office in Nanshan District yesterday. The gathering aimed to equip expats and businesses with a deeper understanding of current immigration regulations.

The event was organized by the Exit and Entry Administration of the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau, the German Chamber of Commerce, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, and the Shenzhen Immigration Affairs Service Hall-International Talent Service Center.

Olivia Li, director of the service center, explained the latest employment application protocols for foreign nationals entering China, intra-China employment transfers, the intricate four-category permanent residence policy, the Hague Conventions, and other pertinent laws governing foreign entities.

By delving into application prerequisites, procedural intricacies, essential documentation, and notable precautions, Li addressed diverse scenarios and furnished enterprises with a comprehensive overview of how to legally hire foreign talent.

Li also answered questions from attendees, covering topics such as the details and special cases of foreign employees’ work visa applications, work visa transfer procedures, and permanent residence application requirements.

The service center, a co-creation of the Organization Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, the Shenzhen Exit and Entry Administration, and Shenzhen Foreign Service Group Co. Ltd., is a pivotal hub that facilitates the seamless integration of international talent into Shenzhen and streamlines their professional and personal endeavors within the city.

While explaining China’s latest permanent residency policies, Li illuminated the newfound significance of permanent residency permits, document protocols, and the streamlined application process made possible by China’s accession to the Hague Convention in 2023.

Since its inception in November 2022, the service center has conducted 12 policy seminars and provided 3,973 consultations to enterprises and foreign individuals.

Recurrent themes that dominate consultations are permanent residency queries, work visa intricacies, and official certifications, among others, according to Li. Queries related to foreigners’ social insurance, personal income tax obligations, acquisition of Chinese driving permits, and securing Chinese non-criminal records constitute a comparably minor share of consultations.