Beijing work permit system to launch Jan. 4

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Beijing Labor Bureau’s new Foreign Employment Management System for all work permit applications will launch Jan. 4.

What does the change mean? The new system will bring several changes to the process, which employers should prepare for, including mandatory online registration and filing.

• Implementation time frame: Jan. 4.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permit applications.
• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals applying for work permits in Beijing.
• Business impact: All companies must register and activate an account with the Beijing Labor Bureau before using the new online system.
• Next steps: Employers may contact BAL China for assistance in registering and activating their account.

Background: The Beijing Labor Bureau announced the new system in early November and is de-registering expired and unused work permits before the launch date. In the meantime, companies may begin registering with the new system now.

BAL Analysis: Companies are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Once the new system takes effect, Beijing employers should anticipate that work permit processing may take longer than normal, as companies must file all work permit applications online and obtain approval before submitting their physical package.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact china@bal.com.

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