China: Ministry of Public Security and the Shanghai Government enter into Memorandum of Cooperation to Pioneer Immigration Management Measures

On 19 November 2019, the Ministry of Public Security and the Shanghai Municipal Government entered into the Memorandum of Cooperation on Establishing and Improving the Immigration and Entry-Exit Management Service Mechanism to Promote Shanghai’s High Level of Opening-up. The memorandum mainly includes the long-term and permanent residence facilities for foreign talents introduced into the new port-adjacent area of Shanghai Free Trade Zone, and the pilot application of port electronic visas in Shanghai. Foreigners with internationally-recognised outstanding achievements in Shanghai may directly apply for permanent residence.  Foreign high-level talents introduced and recommended by Shanghai high-tech enterprises, innovative enterprises, key universities, and scientific research institutions can apply for permanent residence. Foreign high-level talents, who have been qualified for permanent residence can recommend other foreign professionals to such applications.