Meeting with Deputy Director General Zhao Jianling, Tianjin Municipal Foreign Affairs Office
2020-08-19 | Tianjin
On 19th August, 2020, The European Chamber Tianjin Chapter Board Mr. Julian Jeffrey together with Ms. Catherine Guo had a meeting with a delegation of Tianjin Municipal Foreign Affairs Office (Tianjin FAO) led by Deputy Director General Zhao Jianling.
Ms. Catherine Guo started by giving a brief introduction to the European Chamber Tianjin Chapter and the purpose of the meeting, which is to get a better understanding regarding policies related to foreign personnel returning to Tianjin. Additionally, the Chamber Tianjin Chapter noticed the change since August 10th, when people from 36 countries in Europe who with valid residence permits may now apply for return visas, the Chamber Tianjin Chapter respectfully suggest a face-to-face updated policy interpretation in the near future.
Mr. Julian Jeffrey, on behalf of the board of the European Chamber Tianjin Chapter and Wellington College International Tianjin raised difficulties and concerns of International school teachers returning to Tianjin. PU letters for most of the Chamber International school members have been well received since August 19th, but quarantine measures, time-consuming visa process and lack of flights may still have big impact on running classes sustainably.
Deputy Direct General Zhao Jianling briefly explained the current situation with regards to pandemic prevention and reasons and mechanisms related to foreign residents returning to Tianjin, points being covered includes
1. Policies and implementation from Tianjin side are getting loosened gradually and orderly with more countries being included into the fast-track mechanism.
2. Around 30,000 people from outside China have been permitted to directly come back in Tianjin by now.
3. Tianjin FAO has drafted "measures on facilitating foreign residents returning to Tianjin" and submitted to Tianjin Municipal Government in mid-August and it is expecting to take effect in the week of 24th August.
4. A detailed fast-track Samsung case in early May on how they implemented the whole process was shared.
5. Since 10th August 2020, people from 36 countries in Europe have been allowed to apply for the Chinese visa for returning as long as you have valid permit to China. Tianjin has implemented this policy automatically. However those who without valid visas still need to apply for PU letters first on behalf of employees of a company, who verify the application is necessary. SMEs which face difficulties for getting foreign employees’ returning are encouraged to re-start the application process.
6. Family reunion of foreign residents who have valid permit are also welcome to apply back to Tianjin.