Shanghai cuts red tape to help foreign talent stay
Authorities have further cut red tape for foreigners' work permit applications so as to support the resumption of work amid the epidemic.
In February, the Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs expanded online work permit applications to more foreign employees, including professionals and unskilled workers. Previously, these were only available for top foreign talent.
Instead of handling paperwork and visiting windows, they can apply online for work permit notification letters, as well as for the extension of work permits, which avoids gatherings and prevents the risk of cross-infections.
So far, officials have dealt with 5,396 work permit applications by foreign employees through online services, according to the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, which runs the foreign experts affairs administration.
On Tuesday, authorities further streamlined the administrative process by releasing eight new policies.
Top foreign talent over 65 years old don’t need to submit insurance and related documents.
It requires only three working days for authorities to deal with employers' applications to cancel the work permits of their international staff. Previously it took 10 working days.
During the epidemic, online evidence, such as e-mail and WeChat records, are admissible if foreign employees are not able to sign their names on termination of employment paperwork.
Digital records instead of printed papers of tax payment history are admissible for employers who adopt the “income commitment” system to apply for work permits for international staff. Also, they can enjoy relaxation of requirements in extending work permits for international staff.
Authorities have temporarily abolished the requirements that employers need to apply for work permit extensions of international staff 30 days prior to expiration.
Foreign talent who remain in China during the epidemic period can have their work permits extended automatically if their work and residency permits expire.
