Visa rules for Guangdong free trade zone relaxed

The Ministry of Public Security has promised a series of favorable policies for skilled foreign workers in the pilot free trade zone in south China’s Guangdong Province.
According a ministry statement released yesterday, among the 16 measures are simplified permanent residence application procedures and fast-track approvals for skilled foreign workers in the zone, support for foreign students’ start-ups, accelerated visas and residency application channels for overseas Chinese and lower thresholds for investors in the zone to apply for permanent residency.
“These new exit-entry policies and measures are based on the free trade zone’s urgent demand for high-caliber foreign talent, overseas Chinese returning to start businesses, young foreign students and investors to realize innovation-driven development of the zone,” the ministry said.
Other measures include allowing foreigners who meet salary and taxation standards to apply for permanent residency, a fast track from work permits to permanent residency for high-caliber talent, and visa exemptions for personnel from certain countries within specified times at Guangdong customs.
The measures will take effect on Aug. 1, the ministry said. Xinhua