Hong Kong, Nov 10 (AP) Vaishnavi Srinivasagopalan, an accomplished Indian IT expert with experience in both India and the US, is exploring career opportunities in China. Beijing’s recent introduction of the K-visa program, aimed at science and technology specialists, might make this possible.
The K-visa, launched by Beijing last month, is part of China’s strategic move to close the gap with the US in the global race for talent and cutting-edge technology. It emerges amidst the uncertainties surrounding the US H-1B program, following stringent immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
“The K-visa for China is akin to the H-1B for the US,” commented Srinivasagopalan, drawn to China’s workplace culture after her father’s tenure at a Chinese university. “It’s a promising opportunity for individuals like me looking to work abroad.” The K-visa complements China’s existing schemes, like the R-visa for foreign professionals, with more relaxed criteria, such as not needing a job offer prior to application.
A tightening of US policies towards international students and scholars under Trump, including a hike in the H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 for new applicants, is prompting some foreign professionals and students to consider alternate destinations.
Bikash Kali Das, an Indian master’s student of international relations at Sichuan University, remarked, “Students in the US anticipated the H-1B visa, but it’s a challenge now.”
China’s Push for Foreign Tech Talent
China is seizing the moment. The ruling Communist Party has prioritized global leadership in advanced technologies, heavily subsidizing research and development in fields like AI, semiconductors, and robotics.
Barbara Kelemen, from Dragonfly, noted, “Beijing sees the US’s tougher immigration policies as a chance to position itself as a welcoming hub for foreign talent and investment.”
Despite the intense job competition within China, particularly in scientific and technical sectors, the skills gap remains a concern. Historically, China has lost top talent to more developed nations where many remained post-education.
Though the brain drain hasn’t entirely shifted, a rising number of professionals, including AI experts, are choosing China. Noteworthy individuals like Fei Su from Intel and Ming Zhou from Altair have accepted teaching roles in China.
Edward Hu from Newland Chase observed that interest in the K-visa is rising among skilled workers in India and Southeast Asia.
Concerns Over Increased Competition
With unemployment among Chinese youth at nearly 18% excluding students, the push to attract foreign professionals stirs debate. Zhou Xinying, a postgraduate student in behavioral science, acknowledged that while foreign experts might introduce new technologies and perspectives, they could also increase pressure on domestic job seekers.
Kyle Huang, a Guangzhou-based software engineer, shares concerns over the potential impact on local job availability, although a Shanghai Observer commentary underlined the economic benefits of integrating foreign professionals.
Michael Feller, chief strategist at Geopolitical Strategy, stated, “Beijing must emphasize how foreign talent can create rather than take jobs, though this remains a politically tough sell, even with ample evidence.”
Hurdles for Foreign Workers Despite New Visas
Recruitment specialists identify challenges in China for foreign workers, including language barriers and the country’s online censorship, or the “Great Firewall.”
With around 711,000 foreign workers in China, the nation trails behind the US, which still holds an edge in research, English usage, and clearer residency pathways, according to David Stepat from Dezan Shira & Associates.
Nikhil Swaminathan, an Indian H-1B visa holder in the US, finds China intriguing but remains hesitant due to geopolitical concerns. Many jobseekers may still prefer opportunities in major global companies outside China.
Feller added, “While the US risks losing H-1B applicants to other Western economies, it maintains a competitive stance. China must do more than offer streamlined visa processes to attract top talent.”
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
