To better handle the work permit application of foreigners during the epidemic prevention and control period, Shanghai Science & Technology Committee and Shanghai Foreign Experts Bureau issued the following notice On March 10 2020:

1. Reduction or exemption application documents for foreign high-end talents

No age, education or work experience restrictions. And no insurance documents, insurance commitments, or third-party commitments are required for foreign high-end talent whom is over 65 years old.

2. Shorten the approval time to cancel foreigners' work permits in China

The approval time for the cancellation of the Foreigner's Work Permit is shortened from 10 working days to a maximum of 3 working days.

3. Proving employment termination by uploading E-documents.

During the epidemic period, relative email loop, discussion record via WeChat or the certificate of dissolution with electronic signature can be recognized as the certificate to terminate the labor contract.

4. E-Tax records are acceptable

The e-document of tax withholding and payment uploaded by the employer can be used to apply for the work permit. 

5. Flexible salary commitment requirements

For foreign talents who adopt the salary commitment system applying for the extension of work permit, the relevant requirements on the salary commitment during the epidemic period (tentatively from February to April) can be appropriately relaxed.

6. Temporarily cancel the time limit of applying for the work permit extension

The restriction for "extension of work permit application shall be submitted 30 days before the expiration" is temporarily cancelled. The employer can do online submission before the expiration of the work permit, and the recovery time will be notified separately.

7. To approve the materials of "automatic extension of validity  of the stay period in China

During the epidemic period, if foreign talent's visa or residence permit expires, while they're still in China, they can apply for the work permit in Shanghai within the automatic extension period approved by the entry and exit administration department.

8. Provide service guarantee to support foreign experts to resume work & production

The foreign experts service departments in all districts and the employers shall conscientiously implement the requirements for epidemic prevention and control in Shanghai, proactively take care of foreign experts, promptly respond to the needs of foreign experts, and provide services for foreign experts in working and living to support resume work and production.