Visa concerns may be eased for experts

China is considering plans to make it easier for foreign experts to visit and stay, such as offering five- or even 10-year multiple-entry visas.

Zhang Jianguo, head of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, says this year he will try to make sure the visa issue will not become a hurdle preventing high-end overseas talent from coming to China.

"Many foreign experts have written me e-mails to complain about the visa problem. They want five-year or even 10-year multiple-entry permits, which will make their visits easier," he says.

"Most are high-end, talented people. Some are even Nobel Prize winners. Currently, they can get only one-year or two-year multiple-entry permits, which is not very convenient."

In contrast, many other countries have adopted a flexible visa policy for Chinese citizens. "For example, many Chinese businesspeople or even students can apply for 10-year multiple-entry visas to the United States. We should ensure that top overseas talent who want to come and work in China can enjoy the same convenience."

According to the draft 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), China will aim to attract many types of overseas talent, namely scientists in strategic sectors; those who are able to engage in innovations, breakthrough techniques and developing high-tech industries; and those in emerging disciplines.

Zhang has vowed to remove career barriers for foreign talent and make their lives in China more convenient.

"We'll encourage establishing a recruitment mechanism within research institutions, colleges and universities that will take job applications from around the world," he says. "We'll also draft a regulation to guide foreign experts to participate in national science and technology programs, as well as become leaders of important research projects."

Zhang mentioned some specific concerns of foreigners living in China

"What if they get ill? How can the expenses in a hospital be covered by insurance in China or their commercial insurance bought overseas?" he says. "I know there are very few hospitals that can connect with overseas insurance companies, and this needs policy support from government agencies such as us."

suzhou@chinadaily.com.cn