China has adopted flexible new visa rules to make it convenient
for foreign professionals and investors to work and invest in the
country.
According to the rules, qualified foreigners may apply for a
special multiple-entry visitor's visa which is valid for 2-5 years,
allowing a maximum of 12 months' stay per visit, Xinhua News Agency
reported Wednesday.
For foreigners who need to work in China, they may also apply
for a special work visa which allows one to stay in the country for
2-5 years with multiple-entry rights.
The new rules, jointly formulated by nine central government
departments, including the Public Security Ministry, the Science
and Technology Ministry and the Foreign Economic Relations and
Trade Ministry, are aimed at attracting high-level professionals
and investors from abroad, Xinhua said.
Foreigners who fit the qualifications described below can apply
for such visas:
Senior advisers invited by government institutions at the
provincial and ministerial level and high-tech professionals and
senior managerial personnel who come to carry out science and
technology cooperation projects, key project agreements or
professional personnel exchange programs in the country.
Those who have made outstanding contributions to China or who
come to carry out inter-governmental agreement on aid given
gratis.
Professors and researchers invited by research institutions and
key universities or colleges at the provincial and ministerial
level.
Those invited by Chinese enterprises or institutions to hold a
position of deputy general manager or higher, or other senior
managerial personnel and essential technical personnel who enjoy
the same treatment.
Those who invest a mini-mum of US$1 million in the western areas
of the country or in poor counties in the central part of the
country, or invest a minimum of US$3 million in other parts of the
country.
Ethnic Chinese who have won important international awards for
science and technology achievements.
Spouses of the aforesaid foreigners and their children under the
age of 18.
A circular issued by the General Office of the State Council
calls on all relevant government departments to effectively carry
out the rules by cutting red tape, streamlining procedures, and
improving efficiency.
(Source: eastday.com July 11, 2002)