In a first within the province, Haikou City has streamlined its foreign work and residence permit issuance process, enabling “simultaneous issuance” for expats. According to a recent announcement from the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts, individuals will now be able to collect both their foreign work permits and residence permits in a single visit to the “Foreigners’ Service Comprehensive Window” at the Haikou Municipal Citizens and Tourists Centre.
Collaborating with the Haikou Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit and Entry Administration Bureau, the bureau achieved “parallel approval” and “one-stop online processing” for foreign work permits and residence permits. Previously, the processing time for these two permits, which used to take 28 working days, was reduced to just 7 working days, significantly reducing the need for expatriates to make multiple trips.
An official from the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts explained that while “parallel approval” and “one-stop online processing” had already reduced processing times and the need for multiple visits, individuals still had to collect their permits in two separate stages. They first obtained the foreign work permit and then used it to apply for the foreign residence permit, which they collected seven working days later.
Under the new “simultaneous issuance” pilot program, individuals can submit their paper documents at the “Foreigners’ Work Comprehensive Service Window” located in the Haikou Municipal Citizens and Tourists Centre after receiving a notification to collect their permits. They will then receive both their foreign work permit and residence permit simultaneously.
In recent years, the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts has collaborated with the Haikou Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit and Entry Administration Bureau to establish a joint review and inspection system for foreign work and residence permits.
This system aims to continuously improve the approval services for foreign nationals coming to work in China. In addition to implementing “one-stop online processing,” Haikou has constructed a comprehensive foreign talent service network with multiple service stations across the city. This network, centred around the “Haikou Municipal Foreigners’ Service Comprehensive Window,” includes stations in Fuxingcheng, Jiangdong New Area, Longhua District, Xiuying District, High-tech Zone, Comprehensive Bonded Zone, and Meilan District.
It also features a “Haikou International Talent Home” service point, all of which aim to assist businesses in recruiting foreign talent and support the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port.
The rapid approval services have translated into an accelerated influx of foreign talent. In the first half of this year alone, Haikou added 109 new registered units for foreign talent recruitment. The Haikou Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts approved 432 foreign work permits, marking a 21.69% year-on-year increase and involving nationals from 59 countries and regions, including Russia, the United States, and Canada.
The introduction of “simultaneous issuance” for foreign work and residence permits in Haikou reflects the city’s commitment to attracting and accommodating foreign talent, further boosting its standing as a hub for international professionals.
For more information on the changes to the work and residence permit process in Haikou, please contact the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts.
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