Analysis-China’s new K visa beckons foreign tech talent as US hikes H-1B fee

Written by Eduardo Babetsta

BEIJING (Reuters) -The new China visa program that aims to attract foreign technology talents will be launched this week, a step seen that strengthens Beijing’s fortunes in her geopolitical competition with Washington as a possible new visa policy for potential applications to defend the alternative.

While China does not have a shortage of skilled local engineers, the program is part of Beijing’s effort to photograph itself as a country that welcomes investment and foreign talent, as increasing trade tensions due to customs tariffs in the United States expect the economic expectations of the country.

China has taken a series of measures to enhance foreign investment and travel, open more sectors for foreign investors and provide visa exemptions to citizens from most European, Japan and South Korea countries from among others.

“The symbolism is strong: while the United States provokes barriers, China is lowering,” said Matt Montel Midisi, a migration lawyer in Iowa, which is called the United States, in a reference to the new visa category in China, which is called K Visa, which is launched on Wednesday.

“Wonderful” timing

The K visa, announced in August, aims to graduate from foreign youth, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and promises to allow entry, residence and employment without a job offer, which can appeal to foreign workers looking for alternatives to American business opportunities.

Earlier this month, Trump The administration said it will ask companies to pay $ 100,000 annually for H-1B workers visas, and technology companies are widely used to employ skilled foreign workers.

“The United States has definitely launched its feet on H-1BS, and the timing is great for China K.

Other countries, including South Korea, Germany and New Zealand, reduce visa rules to attract skilled immigrants.

Migration Experts say the main gravity of the K visa is not a condition for the shepherd’s employer, which was considered one of the largest obstacles for those looking for H-1B visas.

The H-1B visa requires the care of the employer and is subject to the lottery system, with only 85,000 openings annually. New fees can increase from $ 100,000 of applicants for the first time.

“It is an attractive alternative to STEM professionals who are looking for flexible and flat visa options.”

India was the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas last year, representing 71 % of accredited beneficiaries.

Language barriers and questions that have not been answered

Despite its promise, the K visa faces obstacles. Chinese government guidelines indicate the requirements of “age, background educational and work experience” mysterious.

There are also no details about financial incentives, facilitation of employment, permanent residence, or family care. Unlike the United States, China does not provide nationality for foreigners except in rare cases.

The State Council in China has not responded to a request for a comment requesting more details about the basic logistics and strategy of K.

The language is another obstacle: most Chinese technology companies operate in mandarin, which limits the chances of non -Chinese speakers.

Experts said that political tensions between Delhi and Beijing could become a factor that can limit the number of applicants in the Indians K visa that China wants to accept.

“China will need to ensure that Indian citizens are welcome and they can do meaningful work without mandarin,” said Feller.

K Visa: An alternative to whom?

China’s talent employment has traditionally focused on China -abroad and external tray.

The last efforts include home purchase subsidies and signature bonuses of up to 5 million yuan ($ 702,200). These -Chinese -based Chinese talents have restored its headquarters, especially amid Washington’s increasing scrutiny over relations with China.

“The employment effort targeting Indian technical talents in China is growing, but it is still moderate compared to the most intense, established, and well -funded initiatives aimed at restoring the Chinese STEM talent,” said Das at Sichuan University.

The Chinese STEM graduate, who recently obtained a work offer from a technical company based in Silicon Valley, was also skeptical of the K.

He said: “Asian countries like China do not depend on immigration, and they have many ways to attract local Chinese governments.”

The United States has more than 51 million immigrants – 15 % of its population – compared to only one million foreigners in China, less than 1 % of its population.

While China is unlikely to change the immigration policy significantly to allow millions of foreign workers, analysts say the K visa is still promoting Beijing’s fortunes in its geopolitical competition with Washington.

“If China can attract even a slice of global technical talent, it will be more competitive in advanced technology,” said Feller.

($ 1 = 7.1201 Chinese Yuan Renminbe)

(Participated in Eduardo Babetsta reports; edited by Mayung Kim and Lincolen Vist.)