Economic globalization, consumption globalization, trade globalization…In the context of this era, more and more foreigners come to work in China. However, the novel Coronavirus pneumonia epidemic spread rapidly across the globe in 2020. Can the foreigner holding employment residence permit enter China? How to apply for extension? This article aims to solve frequently asked questions in the form of Q&A for clients’ reference.

Q:	What is a residence permit?
A:	The residence permit of foreigner in this Q&A refers to the employment-type residence certificate issued to those foreigners who are working in the territory of the People’s Republic of China.
Q:	Can the foreigner holding employment residence permits enter China during the COVID-19?
A:	No, foreigners have been suspended from entering China with the valid employment residence permits from March 28, 2020.
Q:	What conditions do foreigners have to meet before they can enter China?
A:	If foreigners come to China to engage in necessary economic and trade, scientific and technological activities, and for urgent humanitarian needs, they may apply to Chinese embassies and consulates abroad for visas. After consulting and verifying with relevant departments, one of the following conditions shall be met: 1. Those engaged in key projects or science research and development projects designated by the State or the Beijing municipal government 2. Foreign high-level talents determined by the Chinese government and urgently needed professionals holding R visa 3. Senior management personnel or experts working in newly established foreign invested companies.
Q:	If a foreigner is not staying in China but his/her employment residence permit is about to expire, what should the foreigner do?
A:	The foreigner can entrust professional agencies (such as Kaizen) to apply for the extension of Foreigner’s Work Permit first. After the travel restriction policies are lifted, the foreigner can apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy abroad and change the visa to employment residence permit after entering China.
Q:	If a foreigner is not staying in China, can he/she entrust others to handle the extension?
A:	Yes, Kaizen can assist in preparing the required materials, but the foreigner still needs to visit the Entry-Exit Administration Service Center in person for the interview on the day when extension application is submitted.