China steps up search for talented expat professionals

Within a few short years, China as an expat professional destination has grown to be a major player.

For expatriates with qualifications and experience, the country has taken over from the USA and UK as a magnet for the brightest and best in finance and technology. It’s the new land of opportunities at exactly the time when political developments in the USA and Britain are discouraging talented individuals looking for job and visa security.

According to HSBC’s latest Expat Explorer survey, the Asian powerhouse is now topping the charts for career progression as well as chances to acquire new skills whilst earning salaries higher than in most expat professional destinations. Average wages are at $171,000 annually, as against the global average of $100,000 and the region figure of $115,000. Given China’s relatively low cost of living, expatriate employees are able to live their dreams.

The three most popular employment sectors are education at 31 per cent, financial services at 17 per cent and service industries based on travel and tourism at nine per cent. These three sectors are believed to be facing serous competition from the local workforce, but foreign talent with impressive degrees is still likely to win out on the jobs front. Reasons include experience in international networking, an understanding of specific business cultures and specialist expertise.

One China-based recruitment firm reported competence in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital marketing, smart data analysis, brand management and research and development all make it easy to find profitable employment. Expats with relevant experience are able to bring innovative ways of working and are in demand as a result. Another British recruitment agency with local offices recommends jobs in the science, mathematics, technology, medical care and engineering sectors to expat professionals wanting to work in China. T

he Chinese government’s recently launched Belt and Road initiative is attracting an increasing number of high-end foreign professionals with offers of attractive relocation packages and serious salaries. One Dutch expat is general manager at Shandong SRCC Rail Transit Technology, a position he considers to be the potential crown in his 15-year career in China.

The recently-introduced new work permit regulation divides applicants into three categories, A,B, and C, based on work experience and educational qualifications. Its setting up is seen by many as an indication China is deadly serious about employing many more mid- and high-level foreign talents.