China’s state news agency, Xinhau, announced that all scientists, international entrepreneurs, specialists and highly-skilled persons who meet the “high-class and short-cutting” criteria will be able to apply for the foreign talent visas.
According to the announcement, high-end foreign talent includes Nobel prize winners, heads of major financial institutions and Olympic athletes.
Additionally, foreigners who earn at least six times the average annual wage in China will be considered, reports newspaper South China Morning Post.
In Beijing in 2016, this amounted to CNY92,477 (£10,510, $14,228, €11,809).
Sending a signal
Eligible workers will be issued with five or 10-year visas that allow multiple entries and stays of up to 180 days for each entry. The applications can be done online and there is no fee.
The visa includes spouses and children.
China said at least 50,000 foreigners stand to benefit from the new visa, reports the BBC.
Wang Huiyao, director of the Centre for China and Globalisation, a think tank in Beijing, took part in the proposal of the policies.
He told newspaper Straits Times: “By issuing the visa regulations, China is sending a signal that it welcomes top talent from across the world and that it’s willing to create conditions for such talent to work and live in China.”
