China | Physical work permit cards eliminated

Chinese officials have integrated work permit cards with social security cards, eliminating the need for physical work permit cards.

Key Points:

• Officials published a notice confirming the suspension of the management service system while updates were performed to integrate foreign work permits and social security cards.
• They have now merged into a single card that includes both work permit and social security information.
• Applications for amendments, cancellations, new permits and renewals will be processed in the online service system.

BAL Analysis: The new system eliminates the need for physical work permit cards for those arriving in China. Authorities are also expanding the functionality of the new electronic social security card. The government hopes the enhancements will create more unified systems and better streamline administrative procedures for foreign nationals. The integration aligns with the global digitalization trend where governments are trying to reduce reliance on physical documentation and digitize immigration processes for additional convenience and efficiency.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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