By Apoorva Shukla

Copyright timesnownews

With an aim of attracting young, skilled talent, China has announced the introduction of a new ‘K Visa’. The K visa is designed to attract talented professionals, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from all over the world. China’s move comes as countries across the world are busy tightening or recalibrating work visa rules, including the US, which has been a destination for top talent in the fields of STEM for years. China had approved the decision in August and seeks to amend the regulations on the administration of foreigners’ entries and exits which will take effect on October 1, 2025. K visa will be open to foreign “young scientific and technological talents,” according to the Chinese Ministry of Justice. K visas will offer more convenience to holders in terms of the number of permitted entries, validity period and duration of stay. Read More: China Introduces K Visa for Young STEM Professionals; Check Eligibility, Requirements Further, K visa holders will be allowed to engage in exchanges in fields such as education, culture, and science and technology, as well as relevant entrepreneurial and business activities. China Looking To Fill Vacuum Created By US? On Friday, US President Donald Trump’s administration announced a USD 1,00,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, a move that triggered widespread panic, concern and fear among Indian professionals on the work visa. However, hours later, the White House clarified that the new H-1B visa requirement applies only to new, prospective petitions that have not yet been filed and not to existing visa holders. The H-1B programme serves as America’s gateway for attracting the world’s top talent and skilled professionals. With workers in panic following the H-1B visa fee hike, observers believe that China wishes to fill the vacuum created by the US. China Extends Visa-Free Entry To Over 70 Countries Citizens from 74 countries can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, a big jump from previous regulations. China’s move to extend visa-free travel is being seen as a bid to boost tourism, the economy and its soft power. While most tourist sites are still packed with far more domestic tourists than foreigners, travel companies and tour guides are now bracing for a bigger influx in anticipation of summer holiday goers coming to China.