Overview
- The program, introduced last month, targets science and technology professionals and lets applicants apply without a prior job offer.
- Immigration consultants report rising inquiries from India and Southeast Asia as some workers consider China as an alternative destination.
- Chinese students and young engineers warn of stiffer job competition, with the jobless rate for 16–24 year‑olds excluding students near 18%.
- Recruiters point to hurdles including the language barrier, internet controls and limited residency options, and China hosted about 711,000 foreign workers in 2023.
- Analysts say convenient visas alone may not attract top talent and expect more diversion to the UK or EU than to China, even as some Chinese‑origin experts have recently returned to teach.