China's New Tech Visa Ignites Controversy in India and Beyond

Mon Oct 20 2025 22:33:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The launch of China's K visa, aimed at attracting foreign tech professionals, has sparked a backlash in China and concern in India about job competition.

China's recent introduction of the K visa, designed to attract foreign professionals in STEM fields, has garnered attention and criticism, especially from Indian media and social media platforms. The Chinese public fears increased competition in a struggling job market, feeding into broader discussions about immigration and foreign talent in the country. This backlash has prompted responses from state media in an attempt to reassure citizens about the initiative.

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.

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 criticizing the programme.

Some comments expressed concern over a surplus of domestic talent, questioning the necessity of bringing in foreign professionals when there are already many qualified locals. This sentiment was echoed in various social media discussions, which also included xenophobic and racist remarks aimed 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. Similarly, the People’s Daily published commentary titled Misrepresenting the K visa will only mislead the public.

What is clear is that China is seizing momentum as the US pulls back from its position as a top destination for international talent. The K visa initiative aligns with China's broader strategy to attract top professionals amid concerns from countries worldwide about immigration policies. However, significant challenges remain in addressing public sentiment and domestic perceptions regarding this push to welcome foreign talent.