Effective 1 November 2018, the Shanghai authorities have launched a new online application service for foreign nationals eligible for the 144-hour transit visa exemption, arriving at one of Shanghai’s airports.
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CHINA – New Online Application Service for Shanghai 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption
This news alert was prepared using information provided by Newland Chase China.
As we reported in August, the Chinese government has abolished the work permit requirement for residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (“HMT residents”).
Effective 1 September 2018, HMT residents can voluntarily apply for a new mainland residence card.
CHINA – Optional Mainland Residence Card Introduced for Residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan
This news alert was prepared using information provided by Newland Chase China.
The Chinese government has announced that it will abolish the work permit requirement for employees from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
CHINA – Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Workers Will No Longer Require a Work Permit for Mainland China
This news alert was prepared using information provided by Newland Chase China.
Effective immediately, China’s Ministry of Public Security has introduced a new five-year multiple-entry visa and residence permit for individuals of Chinese descent living overseas.
CHINA – Five-Year Visa and Residence Permit for Overseas Chinese
This news alert was prepared using information provided by Lehman, Lee & Xu and FSG.
Effective 1 January 2018, new regulations for the “R visa” for high-level talent allow multiple stays in China of up to 180 days at a time, with a validity of up to ten years, a streamlined online application system and reduced processing times.
CHINA – Talent Visa Rules and Benefits Clarified
In 2017, along with our sister company, Newland Chase, we published hundreds of client and public updates on significant changes to immigration policy impacting international business in dozens of countries, via newsletters, white papers, client briefs, industry articles, and social media.
While it would be near impossible to summarise in one document all of last years’ changes in immigration policy from around the world, linked below is a brief overview of what we consider to be among the most significant developments in corporate immigration from around the world, grouped by region and country.
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Global Trends | 2017 Roundup of Significant Global Corporate Immigration Developments
Effective 1 January 2018, new regulations for the “R Visa” for high-level talent allow multiple stays in China of up to 180 days at a time, with a validity of up to ten years, a streamlined online application system and reduced processing times.
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The State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs (SAFEA) has announced that, effective 28 February 2018, all work permit renewal applications nationwide will have to be submitted at least 30 working days before the expiry date.
Those who fail to comply with this new deadline will be denied renewal, and will have to apply for a new work permit. Currently, there is no national rule establishing a deadline for work permit renewal application submissions.
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CHINA – Upcoming Change to Work Permit Renewal Deadline
The Shanghai Entry-Exit Expert Bureau will suspend all immigration applications between 22 and 25 December 2017, as the national immigration system undergoes an upgrade.
Please note:
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CHINA – Shanghai Exit-Entry Bureau – Planned Closure for System Upgrade
The Shanghai Foreign Expert Bureau is now accepting work permit applications from applicants classified as either Category A or B, and holding an M (business) or L (tourist) entry visa, rather than a Z (work) visa.
Note that Category B applicants risk their M or L entry visa expiring while their work permit application is being processed, and they may not be able to extend their entry visa without leaving China.
This simplified process avoids the six to eight weeks usually required to obtain a Notification Letter of Work Permit and a Z (work) visa before travelling to China (compared to about one week for an M or L visa), and may allow the applicant to start work more quickly.
Read more here:
CHINA – Expedited Work Permit Process in Shanghai May Benefit Some Foreign Workers
This news alert was prepared using information provided by Shanghai Foreign Service (Group), Pro-Link Global China and Asia Pacific Access.