One stop shop for expats is working well
EXPATS in Hongqiao are now able to apply for work permits at Shanghai's first community-level foreign talent service center.
The Hongqiao Foreigner Talent Service Center was opened on Saturday at the Gubei Civic Center, 99 Fugui Road E, Changning District.
It will be a one-stop shop for work, language and culture for international residents.
The new service center can accept applications for temporary residence and work permits as well as offer consultations on entries and exits, residence, and work, said Hu Yu'ang, Party secretary of Hongqiao Subdistrict.
Previously, foreign residents in the Gubei international community had to go to the Hongqiao foreign talent service center near the Sky Soho about 10 kilometers away to apply for work permits.
"They can now apply for important certificates at their community service center," said Hu.
A highlight of the new center is that foreign volunteers are among the service staff.
They work along with human resources, police and entry and exit officials.
"Visa extension, residence permits and work permits are among the most concerning questions," said Michelle Teope-Shen, one of the foreign counsellors. "The center can solve these problems."
She is a member of an international residents’ chamber in the Gubei Civic Center where community problems are discussed and solutions proposed.
Foreign residents can also get information about legal issues, children's education, accommodation and medical service at the center.
A number of cultural activities will be held regularly to help expats learn Chinese culture as well as involve them in community management.
An overseas volunteer recruitment center has been unveiled to encourage expats to join the city's community volunteer team.
A foreign language service station has also been opened to answer questions about the China International Import Expo.
Consultation and application windows were renovated from a former service counter and artwork.
More than half of the over 32,000 residents under the jurisdiction of Hongqiao subdistrict come from abroad. The overseas residents, including foreign consulates and senior officials of multinational enterprises, come from over 50 countries and regions.
The Changning District government plans to open another two foreign talent service centers at the HONG SPACE within an office building, and Shanghai Mart
This will create a foreign talent service network covering the community, office and mall, according to the district's human resources and social security bureau.