Outdated barriers to foreign talent hold nation back
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[By Liu Rui/Global Times] |
At present, most global talent flows to developed countries and regions such as the US and the EU. China should re-examine and re-adjust its long-term policy of strictly managing foreigners and excluding them from permanent residency and naturalization.
In an international metropolis, foreign residents should make up at least 10 percent of the population. But even in Beijng and Shanghai, the percentage of foreigners is far below this.
China must institute a competitive policy for skilled immigrants that is more flexible than the existing systems in developed countries. It needs to create more categories for work visas, and encourage foreign talent to take up long-term residence, or even settle permanently, in China.
Investment in foreign talent could pay off in the long run. Foreign talent is needed for China's social and economic development, and we must master the supply and demand of foreign talent to predict and track the inflow of skilled immigrants.
Currently we focus on attracting high-level talent from developed countries and offer them favorable treatment. Excessively focusing on subsidizing high-level talent from developed countries may not take any effect but will neglect some foreign talent from other countries or levels. This means raising the level of living standards and development to a point where they can attract high-level foreign talent.
Currently, what China can offer is far less than the conditions they enjoy in developed countries and regions.
