Are foreign specialists needed in China's labor market?

Do we need to have a presence in China?

This huge country has about 700 million people who can work, but only about 5% of them have secondary or higher level education. The unemployment rate here is 4.5%. One of the consequences of the long-standing “one family - one child” policy, which was in effect until 2015, has been a noticeable shortage of youth labor force capable of replacing the aging population. Experts note that by 2035, about 30% of the country's residents will be over 60 years old. In this regard, foreign workers are becoming in demand, and this is especially true for highly qualified specialists. However, in sectors where low-skilled workers are required, competition with locals is growing strongly, so hoping for a salary in such professions as a cleaner or an operator on a production line may not be worthwhile.

Reasons for the attractiveness of employment

Nevertheless, the prospect of employment in China is not only attracted by the high demand for foreign talent, but also by favorable conditions such as:

• Affordable housing and grocery prices;
• Employers willing to cover the costs of accommodation, transportation and necessary paperwork;
• Employers' concern for foreign workers.

However, it is also worth bearing in mind the complexities. For example, the working schedule of the Chinese is quite intense: the standard working day is 10 to 14 hours, and vacation is only 10 to 15 days a year. Better working conditions are mostly available only for highly qualified specialists with in-demand skills. In addition, you should be prepared for the peculiarities of mentality and everyday life.

Requirements for foreign workers

As for the requirements for foreign workers, language becomes one of the main factors. Knowledge of Chinese, at least at a basic level, is the best option, as only a small proportion of the local population speaks English. Lack of language skills will significantly limit your opportunities in the labor market. However, there are residual job opportunities in areas such as:

• Education;
• Information Technology;
• Entertainment Industry;
• Tourism.

If your vocabulary is limited to Russian, your only option may be to seek employment with an employer oriented towards the Russian-speaking market, for example, in the tourism or service sector.

Work ethics in China

As for the work ethic in China, those who plan to work in this country should prepare for a busy schedule. Officially, China has an 8-hour work day and a 40-hour work week with two days off, but in practice these conditions are often only available to highly skilled employees of large multinational companies. Most workers in China work 12 hours a day and often only have Sunday off.

Thus, before deciding on labor migration to China, it is important to carefully analyze all the pros and cons, and take into account not only your expectations, but also the real picture of the labor market in this country.

Introduction

Due to various circumstances in China, labor laws regarding working hours, vacation days and overtime were not officially introduced until 1995. However, not everyone in the country is fully aware of the regulations, and many people continue to work according to traditional patterns.

Working hours and educational process

For example, a typical workday in most Chinese businesses starts between eight and nine in the morning, while school classes often start as early as seven. This makes it necessary for the majority of the population to get up early, around five in the morning, to avoid traffic congestion and to get to work or school on time.

Best cities for employment

The most attractive for employment are large cities, among which stand out:

• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Guangzhou
• Xiamen
• Shenzhen
• Kunming
• Qingdao
• Nanjing
• Sanya
• Haikou

For highly qualified specialists, an in-depth study of these megacities can be particularly advantageous, as they are home to offices of international companies offering good pay and comfortable conditions. In these cities, knowledge of Chinese is not a requirement.

Preparing for a job search

If you are planning to look for a job in China, it is advisable to start preparing in advance. Pay attention to reviewing specialized groups in social networks and professional networking resources. Don't be afraid to ask questions about work schedule, working conditions, deadlines and salary.

Job search security

There are many scams in the Chinese labor market, so when talking to potential agents, ask all the questions you can about your trip, including:

• Who pays for the tickets?
• What are the living conditions? (please provide photos)
• How is the payroll calculated?

If an agent takes a long time to respond or responds unclearly, it may be a signal that you need to look for another professional.

Work visa requirements

It's important to rememberIn addition, make sure you have a VPN in advance, as access to Instagram, Telegram and Google is restricted. Also take care of a VPN in advance, as access to services such as Instagram, Telegram and Google is restricted in the country.

Cooperation with agencies

If you decide to work with an agency, be sure to ask for a contract that details all services offered and the amount of commission. The contract should contain clear clauses about what exactly you are paying for.

It is important that the list of services is presented in detail and without vague wording such as “information support”. Also, be sure to read the information about the agency:

• Find out when it was founded
• Read the reviews
• Explore the news

Financial aspects

Keep in mind that it is not acceptable to hand over any money for a preliminary job search:all payments must be made from the first paycheck only. In addition, job listings should not be paid for, as such costs are usually covered by employers.

Employment in Europe

If you are thinking about getting a job in European countries, it is recommended that you read detailed advice on countries such as France, Spain, Germany, Cyprus, Norway, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Netherlands and Poland.

Search for vacancies in social networks

When looking for vacant positions, social media can be a valuable resource. The largest number of offers is usually found on the Chinese platform “Witchat”. However, you should realize that most often you will not interact with direct employers, but with intermediaries who may charge a fee for their services.

Jobs for artists and dancers

If you are an artist or dancer and you are interested in working in China, you should pay attention to social media communities, such as VKontakte, where current vacancies from agencies, such as Goulou Group, for artists and teachers are posted. You can also consider employment options in South Korea, Israel, Cyprus and Turkey.

Teaching English language

For those wishing to teach, there are many opportunities in China, especially for English teachers. It is recommended to search for Facebook groups where Russian-speaking users share news about job opportunities in places like Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Korea.

Recruitment agencies

There are also reliable staffing agencies likeHudson,Clever HuntandChina International Recruitment Agency...that will help you find a job abroad. On professional websites specializing in job vacancies, such as...51job,Chinajobs,ESL Café,Zhaopinand others, you can find plenty of fresh offers.

Job opportunities in China

There are many forms of employment available in China. You can choose from:

• a permanent job with an indefinite contract;
• temporary contracts that are most commonly used in the construction and engineering sectors;
• Contracts for English language teachers, which are usually signed for one year.

Seasonal job openings

Seasonal jobs in China are divided into categories related to artists, service workers, and agriculture, and can last from a few weeks to six months. Volunteer programs can also be interesting, as they often provide accommodation, meals, and health insurance. Volunteers typically participate in various projects, ranging from infrastructure restoration to animal care. In Russia, such activities are organized by an organization.Sphereand in Belarus —League.

Au Pair program

For students who wish to participate in the programAu Pairunique opportunities arise. This program is designed for young people aged 18 to 30. Participants live with Chinese families and teach children English, receiving a scholarship as a reward ranging from100 to 300 dollarsper month.

Internships for students

Internships for students are another opportunity for young people, which can last from3 to 12 monthsand is usually intended for those who are no older than30 yearsand graduated no later than two years ago. The internship scholarship can vary from200 to 600 dollarsin various fields, such as:

• tourism;
• service sector;
• information technology;
• design;
• industry.

Searching for internships

To find a suitable internship in China, you can use resources such asLearn4Good,Hutong SchoolandAlt CenterMake sure to familiarize yourself with the terms of the contract you sign with your employer; it should clearly specify the salary, payment schedule, duties, working conditions, and the rights of both parties. This will help avoid misunderstandings and protect your interests in the job market abroad.

The Chinese labor market is rife with various fraud schemes, so it is important to exercise heightened caution when verifying documents, especially if you are a seasonal or temporary worker. The authorities in China closely monitor foreign citizens arriving in the country for work. A file is created for each newcomer, and if any suspicions arise, surveillance may be initiated.

In the case of detecting illegal employment, the first offense is subject to a fine of800 US dollarsIn case of a repeated violation, the amount increases threefold, and in the third instance, deportation of the foreigner may be possible. The employer will also be held responsible and may be fined up to12 thousand dollarsTherefore, it is extremely important not to agree to work without proper documentation, even if it concerns a short-term trial period. Otherwise, you risk not only being left without a salary but also being unable to seek help from law enforcement authorities.

The process of document processing

It is important to take the process of preparing all necessary documents and visas seriously. Working in China with a tourist or business visa is strictly prohibited; this can lead to criminal liability, including imprisonment and fines.800 US dollars.

Stages of employment in China

As for obtaining work permits, the process involves several stages:

• Find an employer.
• Sign the employment contract.
• Obtain a work permit.
• Apply for a visa.
• Obtain a residence permit.

The responsibility for obtaining the permit lies with the employer; however, all necessary documents must be prepared by the migrant. The employer creates an account on a special website and submits the documents through their personal account.

Required documents for submission

The document package includes:

• Copy of the foreign passport.
• Medical certificate.
• Resume in English or Chinese.
• One photograph sized 3x4 cm.

If the job requires special knowledge, you need to provide documents confirming your education (diplomas, certificates) with notarized translations into Chinese, as well as translations of your work record book to confirm your work experience.

Relocation for work in China is available not only for the candidates themselves but also for their close relatives. The visa regime is determined by the duration of the active employment contracts. There are two main types of visas: z1, which allows for multiple entries and is valid for up to 6 months, and z2, intended for a single entry and valid for up to six months. It is important that for official employment in Chinese organizations, the visas must be of type z.

Documents for obtaining a visa

To apply for a visa, it is essential to carefully prepare a set of documents for submission to the Chinese consulate. First of all, you need to fill out the visa application form in Chinese; keep in mind that the contact information of the employer will be verified. Additionally, you need to provide two photographs with a blue background. The required documents also include:

• signed employment contract;
• work permit
• an invitation printed on the company's official letterhead;
• a foreign passport, the validity of which must exceed six months;
• certificate of medical examinations;
• a certificate of no criminal record;
• certificates of proficiency in foreign languages (if available);
• diplomas and other educational certificates;
• completed forms v2011a and v2011b.

Visa fee

It should be noted that the visa processing fee is paid only after a positive decision has been made regarding the issuance. The amount of this fee may vary depending on the country of application and the urgency of processing. Usually, it is around50 dollarsThe average processing time for a visa application is aboutfive working days.

A trip to Hong Kong

If you are planning a trip to Hong Kong, keep in mind that a separate visa is required for residence or work in this region. A tourist visa can be obtained upon entry, and its validity can last up totwo weeksLabor migrants can also obtain a visa at the Chinese consulate, but the process may take fromfour to six weeks.

Obtaining a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit, you need to contact the local labor and social security authorities in China immediately after your arrival to get a work permit. Then, you must register at your place of residence and with the immigration service. Additional required documents include:

• order of employment;
• photo;
• foreign passport.

All the collected documents are submitted to the immigration center.

In-demand professions

It is also important to note the demand for certain professions among migrants from the CIS countries. In China, there is a demand for specialists in areas such as:

• industry;
• Construction;
• education;
• medical services;
• aviation;
• management;
• modeling business.

These industries create numerous job openings and opportunities for employment. Specialists willing to contribute to the development of the Chinese economy and society will find themselves in a favorable position, as this undoubtedly fosters the interaction of different cultures and ideologies.

There is a pronounced interest in a number of key professions in the Chinese labor market. Among the most in-demand specialists are engineers, as well as managers working at various levels—both middle and senior. IT specialists, professional machine operators, and English language teachers are also in high demand. We should not forget about professions such as pilots, doctors, and representatives of creative fields, which include models, dancers, performers, singers, and DJs. Additionally, popular professions include fitness and yoga instructors, football coaches, choreographers, hostesses, administrators, translators, and researchers.

Salary level

Regarding the level of wages in the country, it should be noted that there is no nationally established minimum wage; the amounts vary by region. Overall, salaries in the lower segment range from $150 to $350. The average salary in the country is approximately $985, with an annual income growth of $50 to $70. An important point is that the wage gap between men and women in the same positions is virtually negligible. The highest salary levels are recorded in the southeast of the country, while the greatest purchasing power incapacity is characteristic of the central and northern regions.

In-demand professions

Let's take a closer look at some in-demand professions. English language teachers have a wide range of job opportunities in educational institutions at various levels, from kindergartens to universities. According to legal regulations, only native speakers can be teachers. However, educational institutions often find themselves unable to offer the desired salary of $3,000, which leads to the hiring of candidates who are not native speakers, with changes to the job title in contracts. Typically, the working hours for such teachers do not exceed 20 hours a week. Private educational institutions have the ability to offer higher rates, while kindergartens pay 25-30% less. Often, salaries are calculated on an hourly basis, and having experience and international language certificates can significantly increase income.

The requirements for Russian language teachers are much less strict, so there are significantly fewer job openings for these specialists, and their earnings are on average 1.5 to 2 times lower.

Engineers and their demand

Engineers are also in high demand across various industries. Engineering specialties include:

• technologists
• programmers
• designers
• quality control experts

Having a relevant education and knowledge of conversational English, as well as at least basic Chinese, are mandatory requirements for candidates.

The profession of a model

Another interesting profession is modeling. In China, models with European features are in particularly high demand, allowing them to earn 30% more than their Chinese counterparts. In this field, not only physical attributes are important, but also the ability to pose beautifully for photos.

Trends in the labor market

Thus, there is a constant trend of growing interest in certain professions in China, which opens up new opportunities for career advancement and professional development. This situation creates prospects for those who are ready to adapt and grow in the dynamic labor market environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to work in China is a significant step that requires careful consideration. As the country actively seeks foreign labor, especially in the field of highly skilled work, the opportunities for career growth are enticing. However, it is important to take several factors into account before making a final decision.

Challenges and difficulties

DifficultiesWith language and mentality, a high workload, and potential nuances with legislation—all of this can play a key role in your experience working abroad. Before heading to China, it is advisable to thoroughly research the job market, paying attention to reviews and working conditions, as well as choosing reliable employment agencies.

Preparation and planning

Moreover, it's important to approach the job search process consciously:

• Prepare all the necessary documents.
• Familiarize yourself with local laws.
• Regularly keep communication channels open with support organizations in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Prospects for working in China

Ultimately, if you are ready for the challenge and have the right to work, working in China can be a source of both personal and professional growth for you. I hope this guide helps you make the best choice and provides some assistance in your work abroad. Good luck in your endeavors!