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China Launches K-Visa to Attract Global Tech Talent Amid Domestic Unemployment

China's new K-visa targets global tech talent. But will it face backlash at home, where youth unemployment is high?

As we can see in the image there are buildings, traffic signals, windows, few people here and...
As we can see in the image there are buildings, traffic signals, windows, few people here and there, cars and sky.

China Launches K-Visa to Attract Global Tech Talent Amid Domestic Unemployment

China has launched a new 'K-visa' to attract young tech and science professionals, aiming to bolster its global standing despite domestic economic pressures and nationalist sentiments.

The K-visa, introduced on October 1, targets young talent in science and technology fields. Unlike the US' H1-B visa, applicants need not have a Chinese employer or inviting organization before applying. This move is part of China's strategy to become a tech and science powerhouse, even as its youth unemployment rate reached 18.9% in August, with half of graduates holding STEM degrees struggling to find work.

The K-visa has sparked debate in China. Some commentators have expressed nationalist views, questioning the need to attract foreign talent when local youth are unemployed. The visa has also raised concerns about potential standards for applicants and its impact on local job seekers. Despite these tensions, Chinese universities, companies, and government bodies can serve as hosts for K-visa holders.

The K-visa, designed to attract global tech and science talent, highlights China's ambition to lead in these fields. However, it also underscores the challenges of balancing national aspirations with domestic economic realities and nationalist sentiments.

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