On June 30, the 11th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, passed a new Exit-Entry Administration Law at its 27th meeting. One of the highlights of the new law is a new visa category titled "talent introduction" which aims to attract talented individuals from overseas.
The Chinese government has long attached great importance to attracting oversea talent to work in China. The "talent introduction" visa category will provide a convenient green channel for overseas talented people who are interested in working in China.
Overseas Chinese of foreign nationalities face visa problems
More and more overseas Chinese people of foreign nationalities are returning to work in China. They are nicknamed "seagulls" because they often fly between China and other countries.
"I came back to start my own business. I want to apply what I have learned aboard in the business, and do my bit to promote domestic technological transformation," said Dr. Wu Wei, a "seagull" and a co-founder of Wuxi-based Cynovo Inc.
Wu returned from the Silicon Valley to Wuxi, Jiangsu province in August 2008 to start a business and serve the country. Visa problems are a constant annoyance to him. Wu had not completed the registration of his business prior to his return to Wuxi, and had to apply for a three-month, single-entry visa as he was not eligible for a work visa. "Seagulls" come back to start their own business, with many of their customers located abroad. It is inconvenient and annoying to have to renew their visa on a business trip.
Visa problems can bring inconvenience to both work and life in China. Wu, who started his business a few years ago, have benefited from the Wuxi's "530" talent introduction program and Jiangsu province's entrepreneurship program, and now holds a two-year work visa. However, his wife and son still live on a three-month visa. "It is fine. We just feel we are not accepted by our motherland, and do not have a sense of belonging," Wu said. Many "seagulls" feel the same way.