China's New K Visa for Foreign Professionals Sparks Controversy in India

Fri Oct 10 2025 14:53:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The launch of China's K visa aimed at attracting skilled professionals has drawn criticism and concern among Indians and sparked a public backlash in China regarding potential job competition.

China's introduction of the K visa targeting foreign professionals in STEM fields has created a stir among Indian nationals and locals in China. The visa, likened to the U.S. H-1B, raises fears of job competition in a sluggish job market. While aimed at attracting foreign talent, backlash on social media reveals public anxiety over the program, questioning its effects on local job seekers and economic stability. As state media attempts to manage sentiments, the actual workings of the visa remain unclear, including whether it permits foreigners to work in China.

When China first announced a new visa targeting foreign professionals in science and technology in August it largely went unnoticed.

But the K visa, which went into effect on Wednesday, was thrust into the public spotlight last week, when an Indian outlet referred to it as 'China's H-1B' - a reference to the US visa for skilled workers which was, last month, targeted by an executive order by Donald Trump. Indians dominate the H-1B programme, making up more than 70% of the recipients in recent years.

The Indian media report was picked up widely in China, stoking concern - and even fears - amongst the public over whether benefits extended to foreigners would increase competition in a sluggish job market - and in a country that has traditionally not been a major immigration destination for foreign professionals.

And although it is still unclear whether the visa will actually allow foreigners to work in China or whether it just allows them easier access into the country, it didn't stop tens of thousands of users on Chinese social media from criticising the programme.

'We have so many bachelor's degree holders, not to mention even more with master's and doctoral degrees. We already have a surplus of domestic talent - and now you're bringing in foreign college graduates?' read one comment.

Others talked about whether authorities could bring in a high standard of talent, and questioned whether foreigners would be able to adapt to life on the mainland, citing language barriers and China's tightly controlled political system.

The backlash has been so intense that state media outlets have stepped in to try to calm the waters, with commentaries advocating the K visa as an opportunity for a more open and confident China.

The K visa is aimed at individuals working in STEM fields and is touted as facilitating exchanges related to education and entrepreneurship, but it remains to be seen if it truly enables foreigners to work in China.