China’s launch this week of a tech visa to attract technology workers has immediately sparked opposition at home, with young Chinese voicing concern over more competition in the deteriorating labour market.
Beijing hopes the “K-visa” scheme, which analysts said would appeal to overseas Chinese and skilled workers in the developing world, will support the development of its science and technology industries, a priority for President Xi Jinping amid increasing political competition with the US.
The K-visa is designed to attract “eligible young science and technology professionals”, China’s state media said. The scheme shows “a more open and confident China”, the Communist party mouthpiece, the People’s Daily, added.