Shanghai is seeking to improve its exit-entry administration services with the aim of attracting top overseas talent.

According to Shanghai’s exit-entry administration bureau, category A foreign workers employed in the city will soon be able to apply for work and residence permits online.

Indeed, workers will soon be able to file their application online for an initial examination by administrators, with the process to be completed at exit-entry service centres. This is forecast to reduce waiting times further to have permits issued.

The exit-entry administration bureau has stated it is working closely with The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) the issuer of work permits, on the new system, says a Shine news report.

Shanghai became the first city in the country to facilitate online residence registration for people from overseas back in 2019. Foreign people must register their residence on the Chinese mainland within 24 hours of arrival, and had to do so at a police station to register a temporary address, except for those staying in a hotel.

Yet by further easing the rules, Shanghai hopes to attract more foreign talent to the city. The new government policies state that people from overseas who work in science and technology and who meet specific requirements, can have part-time jobs related to their permanent positions.

Furthermore, foreign researchers taking part in the country’s national task forces as well as young foreign talent, such as graduates in sectors such as science, engineering, agriculture and medicine are eligible to apply for an R visa – for top talent – valid for 10 years.

Shanghai has implemented numerous key policy packages to attract foreign talent since 2015, and more are being considered, according to the exit-entry administrators.