8 foreign experts receive 'foreign high-end talent confirmation letter' in Shanghai

Eight foreign experts received confirmation letters of foreign high-end talents in Shanghai on Jan 15.

The high-end talents will get an R visa with multiple entries of 5 to 10 years at Chinese embassies abroad, to enjoy a series of stays of up to 180 days. Their spouses and minor children will get the same visas.

The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security jointly issued the Measures for the Implementation of the Visa System for Foreigners on Nov 28, 2017.

The measures further improved the R visa system to attract more foreign talents to participate in China's economic construction.

Anyone who meets the standard conditions of category A for foreigners coming to China for work can apply for an R visa, which will greatly facilitate foreign high-end talents taking up positions in management, technology, scientific research and teaching, guidance, counseling and other services.

At present, Shanghai is speeding up the construction of the "five centers" of international economy, finance, trade, shipping and scientific and technological innovation so as to build Shanghai into a world-class metropolis. The introduction of the new talent policy and the more convenient management and service policy has led to attracting and welcoming more outstanding foreign high-level talents.

Shanghai has always been in the forefront of attracting overseas talents. As of the end of 2017, it ranked first in the number of applicants for foreigners' work permits and the number of work permit issued. Top foreign talents in Shanghai (category A) accounted for 15.83 percent of applicants, far exceeding the national average.

As one of the first R visa pilot cities, Shanghai implemented the system on Jan 1, 2018. It’s anticipated that the visa program will make the city more attractive for overseas talents at a higher level and over a wider area.

Shanghai has many universities, research institutes, state-owned enterprises, multinational corporations and other establishments actively preparing to assist high-end visa applicants.