Provided by Eduard Baptista
Beijing (Reuters) -The Chinese Visa Program, which aims to attract foreign technology talent, begins this week. It was a step seen by increasing the fate of Beijing in its geopolitical competition with Washington, as a new US visa policy encourages applicants for alternatives.
Although China is full of qualified local engineers, the program is part of Beijing’s efforts to depict itself as a country greeting foreign investment and talents, as the increasing trade voltage due to US tariffs is clouding the country’s economic perspective.
China has taken many measures to strengthen foreign investment and travel by opening up more sectors to foreign investors and offering visas to the citizens of most European countries, Japan and South Korea.
“Symbolism is powerful: although the US causes obstacles, China reduces them,” said Matt Mauntel-Medici, an immigration lawyer in Ajova, specifying a new category of Chinese visa, called “K Visa”, which begins on Wednesday.
“Exclusive” time
August The “K Visa” is dedicated to young graduates of foreign science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and promise to allow, live and employment without a job offer that could be enjoyed by foreign workers looking for alternatives to US job opportunities.
Earlier this month, Trump’s administration said it would ask companies to pay $ 100,000 per year for H-1B employees, which technology companies widely use to hire qualified foreign employees.
“The US has undoubtedly shot H-1Bs, and the Chinese K visa time is a great time,” said Michael Feller, the chief geopolitical strategist.
Other countries, including South Korea, Germany and New Zealand, also release visa rules to attract qualified migrants.
Immigration experts say that the main highlight of K Visa is not required by a supporting employer, which was considered one of the biggest obstacles to H-1B visas.
The H-1B visa requires support for employers and is subject to a lottery system, which contains only 85,000 slots. The new $ 100,000 fee may even determine the first time applicants.
“It is an attractive alternative to Indian STEM professionals seeking flexible, simplified visas,” said Bikh Kali Das, a student at Indian University in Sichuan.
India has so far been the largest beneficiary of the H-1B last year, accounting for 71% of the beneficiaries approved.
Language obstacles and unanswered questions
Despite the promise, “K Visa” faces obstacles. The Chinese Government Guidelines mention the unclear requirements of “age, education and work experience”.