China's New Tech Visa Sparks Controversy in India

Thu Oct 16 2025 22:24:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The recent introduction of China's K visa aimed at foreign STEM professionals has led to public outcry in China, especially following comparisons to the U.S. H-1B visa, which is predominantly utilized by Indian workers.

China's newly launched K visa, designed for foreign professionals in the STEM fields, has stirred significant concern in the domestic job market following its announcement. This visa was likened to the H-1B program in the U.S., which has a large Indian beneficiary pool. Public backlash in China reflects anxieties over competition in a stagnant job environment and has evoked xenophobic sentiments. As China seeks to attract talent amid perceived U.S. immigration limitations, further clarity on the visa's implications remains awaited.

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.

“There have been so many new programmes pushing our university students to compete with each other, but in the end, nothing beats a foreign passport,” another Weibo user wrote.

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.

Also among the comments were a wave of xenophobic and racist remarks - many of them targeted specifically at Indian nationals.

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.

As China steps onto the global stage, it is hungrier for talent than ever before, the article adds.

What is the K visa?

It is not yet clear what the programme fully entails, but the Chinese government has said it applies to individuals working in STEM fields - science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Authorities have described it as a visa for exchanges related to education, science and technology, culture, as well as entrepreneurship and business activities.

In a government media release in August, it said that applicants for the K visa should be those who have graduated from well-known universities or research institutions in China or abroad with a bachelor's or higher degree in a STEM field, or who teach or conduct research work at those institutions.

It did not provide further details on age requirements or which universities would qualify for the scheme.

Notably, foreign professionals will not need backing from a local employer to be granted the visa - and will enjoy more flexibility in terms of the number of entries, validity period and duration of stay.

In its article earlier this week, 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.

The People's Daily also weighed in, saying that the visa would provide convenience for young foreign science and technology professionals to work and live in China - but stressed that it should not be equated with immigration.

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.

This is just the latest step in China's broader effort to attract foreigners to the country - whether for tourism, research or business.

While discourse on social media may not fully represent public sentiment at large, the controversy highlights that implementation is not only a matter of regulatory design, but also of public communication and domestic consensus-building, she says.

The bigger concern, however, is whether foreign science and tech professionals can adapt to China's tightly controlled political environment.