Xi’an now requiring interview at time of work permit filing

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Xi’an Labor Bureau now requires that work permit applicants appear for an interview when they file their applications.

What does the change mean? Applicants must be interviewed twice after entering Xi’an – once for their work permit application and again for their resident permit application.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: Work permit applicants in Xi’an.
• Impact on processing times: No direct impact.
• Business impact: This adds another procedure for applicants.
• Next steps: Assignees should be prepared to appear for interviews when filing work permit applications.

Background: The Xi’an Labor Bureau has imposed the new requirement without notice and effective immediately. The Labor Bureau has not indicated any particular questions it will ask of an applicant, but will expect his or her personal appearance.

BAL Analysis: Companies and their assignees must make additional efforts to arrange this new personal filing appointment to avoid delay in the process.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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