China silent on US H-1B visa hike, says doors open for global talent

Beijing, Sep 22 (PTI) China on Monday declined to comment on US President Donald Trump's move to impose a hefty USD 100,000 fee for H-1B visas, but at the same time invited global professionals to work in the country as it prepares to roll out a new employment visa next month.

On Friday, the Trump administration announced a one-time USD 1,00,000 fee on H-1B visas.

"We have no comment on the US’s visa policy," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here when asked about Trump's decision.

But at the same time, he invited global professionals to work in China.

“In a globalised world, cross-border flow of talents is instrumental in global technological and economic advancement,” he said.

“China welcomes talents from various sectors and fields across the world to come and find their footing in China for the progress of humanity and career success,” he said.

Indians account for nearly 71 per cent (over 2.8 lakh) of all H-1B visas, followed by Chinese professionals with around 11.7 per cent or over 46,600.

While the US tightens its visa regime, China last month announced a new work permit called the K-Visa under which qualified professionals from across the world can come to the country and explore work opportunities.

The K-Visa, set to take effect from Oct 1, is aimed at attracting young science and technology talent and does not require a domestic employer or entity to issue an invitation.

According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, the new visa category was approved by the State Council and signed into law by Premier Li Qiang last month as part of amendments to China's entry and exit regulations.

China's silence on the H-1B issue comes against the backdrop of trade negotiations with the US, where student and work visas are also under discussion.

Last week, Trump and President Xi Jinping spoke over the phone, during which they reportedly agreed to the US takeover of the popular Chinese app TikTok.

The US and Chinese trade negotiators concluded their fourth round of talks in Spain last week to reach a trade deal on tariffs.

As per the decision, China will add the K-Visa category to its existing 12 ordinary visa types, available to eligible science and technology professionals.

Compared to the existing visa types, K visas will offer more convenience to holders in terms of the number of permitted entries, validity period, and duration of stay.

K-Visa holders can also engage in education and cultural exchanges, science and technology activities, and entrepreneurship and business.

"China's development requires the participation of talent from around the world, and China's development also provides opportunities for them," Xinhua quoted an official as saying.

Separately, China has also announced visa-free entry for tourists from over 40 countries for short-term stays to boost travel. PTI KJV ZH ZH