China will combine its Foreign Work Permit and Expert Permit programs into a single Employment Permit scheme beginning 1st October 2016.
Foreign nationals who have previously applied for either a Foreign Work Permit or Expert Permit will soon apply for the new Employment Permit. Applicants should expect the possibility of delays and changes in documentation requirements as the program is rolled out.
The program will start from 1st October 2016 in nine pilot cities or provinces: Anhui, Beijing, Guangdong, Hebei, Ningxia, Shandong, Shanghai, Sichuan and Tianjin. There will be a one-month grace period when foreigners will be able to apply for the current work permits. The new Employment Permits are expected to be available from 1st November 2016.
The new system will centralize the management of foreign employment in China and allow for improved data sharing among authorities. The system will introduce new employment permit types – A, B and C– based on a scoring system that will consider, among other criteria, an applicant’s income, work experience, educational background, Chinese language skills, age and duration of stay. According to preliminary information, A type employment permits will be reserved for those with scores of 85 and over, B type permits for those with scores of between 60-85, and C type permit for those with scores below 60. The government may alter application requirements among the different types of employment permits in order to encourage A type applicants, control the number of B type applicants and limit C type applicants.
There are likely to be delays caused by the implementation of this new system, although it is designed to streamline the employment permit process in China, There could also be different procedures or documentation requirements depending on the location of applications. The authorities are expected to issue more detailed regulations soon. The program will be expanded nationwide in April 2017.
This is a good news for companies in China who are looking for foreign experts to join their teams. JM Gemini is able to help you with the processing of these two working permit applications. We also provide Interim and Permanent hiring services specifically designed for the recruitment of expatriate staff. Our service provides clients an efficient and cost effective way to obtain an expatriate employee’s work permit data and residence permit.
For more information, please contact enquiries@jmgemini.com
