China's New Tech Visa Sparks Controversy and Concerns in India

Fri Oct 10 2025 18:34:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The rollout of China's new K visa aimed at attracting foreign tech professionals has ignited backlash in India, raising fears about competition and job prospects among the local workforce.

China's introduction of a new visa targeting foreign professionals in science and technology has garnered significant attention from India, leading to widespread criticism and concern over job competition in a struggling market. While the visa seeks to attract talent in STEM fields, the public response has been mixed, with fears about the implications of foreign professionals entering the job market. As state media attempt to calm the unrest, the visa's exact impact and scope remain somewhat unclear.

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.

On Monday, the Global Times published a commentary advocating the scheme as an opportunity for the world to see a more open and confident China in its new era.

And on Tuesday, the People's Daily published a commentary titled Misrepresenting the K visa will only mislead the public.

In its article, the Global Times pointed out that the K visa would not be the same as an H-1B, stating that it was not a simple work permit.

What is clear is China is seizing the momentum as the US pulls back from its position as a top destination for international talent and visitors. The official launch of the K visa - though the timing was set two months ago - coincides with the Trump administration's sharp increase in application fees for the H-1B programme, a move that has sparked uproar in India.

China's efforts to attract top academics have already seen some high-profile scholars shift from US institutions to Chinese universities, as the country increasingly aims to welcome foreign talent.