China calls for global talent amid rising US H-1B visa fees, ETTravelWorld

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China on Monday refused to comment on US President Donald Trump’s move to impose a hefty US$100,000 fee on H-1B visas, but at the same time called on global professionals to work in the country as it prepares to roll out a new work visa next month.

The Trump administration on Friday announced a one-time $100,000 fee on H-1B visas.

“We have no comment on the US visa policy,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiaqun said at a press conference here when asked about Trump’s decision.

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

“In a globalized world, the flow of talent across borders is an essential component of global technological and economic progress,” he said.

“China welcomes talents from various sectors and fields around the world to come to China and find a foothold for the advancement of humanity and career success,” he said.

Indians account for nearly 71 percent (more than 2.8 lakh) of all H-1B visas, followed by Chinese professionals with about 11.7 percent or more than 46,600.

As the United States tightens its visa regime, China last month announced a new work permit called K-Visa, under which qualified professionals from all over the world can come to the country and explore job opportunities.

The K visa, which is set to take effect from October 1, aims to attract young talent in science and technology and does not require an employer or local 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 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 being discussed.

Last week, Trump and President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone, where they reportedly agreed to a US takeover of the popular Chinese app TikTok.

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

Under the decision, China will add a K visa category to the current 12 regular visa types, available to qualified professionals in the field of science and technology.

Compared to current visa types, K visas will provide more convenience to their holders in terms of number of entries allowed, period of validity, and length of stay.

K visa holders can also participate in educational and cultural exchanges, science and technology, entrepreneurship and business activities.

“China’s development requires the participation of talents from all over the world, and China’s development also provides opportunities for them,” Xinhua quoted an official as saying.

Separately, China also announced visa-free entry for tourists from more than 40 countries for short-term stays to boost travel.

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