Foreigners permits process to be easier

The government said yesterday applications by foreigners for work permits in the city is to be more efficient.

From today, all application centers around the city are required to inform applicants and firms of all the details that are required from them in one go during the online preliminary review process.

When the companies then go to the application centers, service staff should accept all materials, as requested in the preliminary review period, providing they meet requirements.

If the application cannot be handled after this two-step process, then processing officials will have to go to the applicant companies to complete the service.

Even if applicant companies forget to bring some non-core materials, their applications should be accepted and approved if they promise to submit the missing materials within 10 working days.

All application centers will also set up green channels and simplify requirement on materials and reduce processing time for the applications of work permits for key foreign personnel.

For those deemed to be “top talent” with skills sought after in Shanghai, their permits should be issued immediately once applications are accepted.