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The programme is part of an effort by Beijing to portray itself as a country welcoming foreign investment and talent.
– China’s new visa programme aimed at attracting foreign tech talent kicks off this week, a move seen boosting Beijing’s fortunes in its geopolitical rivalry with Washington as a new US visa policy prompts would-be applicants to scramble for alternatives.
While China has no shortage of skilled local engineers, the programme is part of an effort by Beijing to portray itself as welcoming of foreign investment and talent, while rising trade tensions due to US tariffs cloud the country’s economic outlook.
China has taken a series of measures to boost foreign investment and travel, opening more sectors to overseas investors and offering visa waivers for citizens from Japan, South Korea and most European countries, among others.
“The symbolism is powerful: While the US raises barriers, China is lowering them,” said Iowa-based immigration lawyer Matt Mauntel-Medici, referring to China’s new visa category, called the K visa, which launches on Oct 1 .
‘Exquisite’ timing
The K visa, announced in August, targets young foreign science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) graduates and promises to allow entry, residence and employment without a job offer, which could appeal to foreign workers looking for alternatives to US job opportunities.
Earlier in September , the Trump administration said it would ask companies to pay US$100,000 (S$130,000) per year for H-1B worker visas , widely used by the tech sector to hire skilled foreign workers.
“The US has definitely shot itself in the foot on H-1Bs, and the timing is exquisite for China’s K visa,” said Mr Michael Feller, chief strategist at Geopolitical Strategy.
Other countries, including South Korea, Germany and New Zealand, are also loosening visa rules to attract skilled migrants.
Immigration experts say the main attraction of the K visa is no requirement of a sponsoring employer, which has been regarded as one of the biggest hurdles for those seeking H-1B visas.
The H-1B visa requires employer sponsorship and is subject to a lottery system, with only 85,000 slots available annually. The new US$100,000 fee could further deter first-time applicants.
“It’s an appealing alternative for Indian Stem professionals seeking flexible, streamlined visa options,” said Mr Bikash Kali Das, an Indian student at Sichuan University.
India was by far the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas in 2024 , accounting for 71 per cent of approved beneficiaries.
Language barriers and unanswered questions
Despite its promise, the K visa faces hurdles. Chinese government guidelines mention vague “age, educational background and work experience” requirements.
There are also no details on financial incentives, employment facilitation, permanent residency or family sponsorship. Unlike the US, China does not offer citizenship to foreigners except in rare cases.
China’s State Council did not respond to a request for more details on the logistics and underlying strategy of the K visa.
Language is another barrier: amost Chinese tech firms operate in Mandarin, limiting opportunities for non-Chinese speakers.
Political tensions between Delhi and Beijing could also become a factor that could limit the number of Indian K visa applicants China is willing to accept, experts said.
“China will need to ensure Indian citizens feel welcome and can do meaningful work without Mandarin,” said Mr Feller.
K visa: An alternative for whom?
Beijing’s talent recruitment has traditionally focused on China-born scientists abroad and overseas Chinese.
Recent efforts include home-purchase subsidies and signing bonuses of up to five million yuan (S$900,000) . These have drawn back US-based Chinese Stem talent, especially amid Washington’s growing scrutiny on ties to China.
“The recruitment effort targeting Indian tech talent in China is growing but remains moderate compared with the more intensive, well-established, and well-funded initiatives aimed at repatriating Chinese Stem talent,” said Sichuan University’s Mr Das.
A Chinese Stem graduate who recently got a job offer from a Silicon Valley-based tech company was also sceptical about the K visa’s prospects. “Asian countries like China don’t rely on immigration and local Chinese governments have many ways to attract domestic talent,” he said, declining to be named for privacy reasons.
The US has more than 51 million immigrants – 15 per cent of its population – compared with just one million foreigners in China, less than 1 per cent of its population.
While China is unlikely to significantly alter its immigration policy to allow in millions of foreign workers, analysts say the K visa could still boost Beijing’s fortunes in its geopolitical rivalry with Washington.
“If China can attract even a sliver of global tech talent, it will be more competitive in cutting-edge technology,” Mr Feller said. REUTERS
[SRC] https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/chinas-new-k-visa-beckons-foreign-tech-talent-as-us-hikes-h-1b-fee
