In a move to attract top-tier global talent, Hainan province has issued a provisional policy aimed at identifying and supporting foreign high-level personnel and highly-needed talented people.

First introduced in October 2021 by the provincial department of science and technology, the policy is designed to refine the recognition and service management system for foreign professionals, addressing bottlenecks in the work permit process, improving service efficiency, and offering enhanced support to those working, investing, or starting businesses in Hainan.

Under the policy, foreign high-level personnel and highly-needed talented people refer to expatriates involved in employment, investment, entrepreneurship, academic exchanges, and trade activities, including technical specialists and business professionals.

Responsibility for talent recognition has been delegated to science and technology departments (or foreign expert departments) at or above the prefecture level, as well as to the administrative bodies of key provincial-level industrial parks. Applications for recognition are submitted by employers and accepted on a rolling basis. In principle, the recognition period aligns with the duration of the applicant’s work permit.

To better accommodate foreign professionals, the policy facilitates the issuance of China’s R Visa (Talent Visa), allowing eligible individuals to obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to five to 10 years.

The provisional measure also emphasizes improving the business environment for foreign nationals. For example, certain application materials may be temporarily waived if the applicant pledges to provide them later.

In the field of scientific and technological innovation, recognized foreign professionals will enjoy equal treatment with their domestic counterparts. They are eligible to participate in provincial-level science and technology programs such as special projects and funds and may serve as program directors or chief scientists in major projects.

Efforts are also underway to improve service and management systems for international talent, with studies being conducted on adopting a negative list approach for foreign work permit administration.

dost.hainan.gov.cn contributed to the story.