Page 7 - SCBJ-201611
P. 7
November 2016
Tiered Classification
To evaluate which candidates qualify for the new work permit, SAFEA has introduced a points-based, three-tiered classification system
for foreign workers. Points are assigned to applicants based on their education background, salary level, age, time spent working in
China, and Chinese language level. Candidates applying to work in less developed areas may receive additional points. Applicants
placed in the “A” tier with 85 points and over are eligible for service through a “green channel”, which offers a pre-entry visa, paperless
verification, expedited approval and other facilitation measures. The tiers and their eligibility requirements are structured as follows:
Tier Candidates Ease of Application Points Required
A Highly qualified top talent Highly encouraged 85+
B Professional talent in line with labor market demand Generally controlled 60-85
C Unskilled workers Strictly limited Below 60
Graphic©Asia Briefing Ltd.
Implications for Employers and Foreign Workers Photo from www.bing.com
The restructure of the foreign work permit system should mean
a simpler, clearer and less time consuming application process.
Not only will applicants need to provide fewer materials,
but SAFEA appears to be showing more transparency in its
evaluation process and criteria. Foreign employees with existing
work permits can choose to either retain their documents or
apply for the new permit when it becomes available. However,
the tier system may facilitate tighter admissions standards, as
China has become more selective about foreign workers coming
to China, especially in tier 1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai
where there are higher concentrations of foreign employees.
This article was first published on < http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2016/09/15>
Since its establishment in 1992, Dezan Shira & Associates has been guiding foreign clients through Asia’s complex regulatory
environment and assisting them with all aspects of legal, accounting, tax, internal control, HR, payroll and audit matters. As a full-
service consultancy with operational offices across China, Hong Kong, India and emerging ASEAN, we are your reliable partner for
business expansion in this region and beyond.
For inquiries, please email us at info@dezshira.com. Further information about our firm can be found at: www.dezshira.com
5
Tiered Classification
To evaluate which candidates qualify for the new work permit, SAFEA has introduced a points-based, three-tiered classification system
for foreign workers. Points are assigned to applicants based on their education background, salary level, age, time spent working in
China, and Chinese language level. Candidates applying to work in less developed areas may receive additional points. Applicants
placed in the “A” tier with 85 points and over are eligible for service through a “green channel”, which offers a pre-entry visa, paperless
verification, expedited approval and other facilitation measures. The tiers and their eligibility requirements are structured as follows:
Tier Candidates Ease of Application Points Required
A Highly qualified top talent Highly encouraged 85+
B Professional talent in line with labor market demand Generally controlled 60-85
C Unskilled workers Strictly limited Below 60
Graphic©Asia Briefing Ltd.
Implications for Employers and Foreign Workers Photo from www.bing.com
The restructure of the foreign work permit system should mean
a simpler, clearer and less time consuming application process.
Not only will applicants need to provide fewer materials,
but SAFEA appears to be showing more transparency in its
evaluation process and criteria. Foreign employees with existing
work permits can choose to either retain their documents or
apply for the new permit when it becomes available. However,
the tier system may facilitate tighter admissions standards, as
China has become more selective about foreign workers coming
to China, especially in tier 1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai
where there are higher concentrations of foreign employees.
This article was first published on < http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2016/09/15>
Since its establishment in 1992, Dezan Shira & Associates has been guiding foreign clients through Asia’s complex regulatory
environment and assisting them with all aspects of legal, accounting, tax, internal control, HR, payroll and audit matters. As a full-
service consultancy with operational offices across China, Hong Kong, India and emerging ASEAN, we are your reliable partner for
business expansion in this region and beyond.
For inquiries, please email us at info@dezshira.com. Further information about our firm can be found at: www.dezshira.com
5
