China's K Visa Sparks Controversy in India Over Job Competition Fears

Fri Oct 10 2025 11:54:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

China's newly introduced K visa aimed at attracting foreign professionals in STEM fields is causing unease in India, with concerns about job competition amidst a sluggish job market.

The K visa, intended for foreign professionals in science and technology, has garnered attention after being likened to the H-1B visa program. The introduction has raised fears among the Chinese public regarding competition in the job market, particularly from Indian nationals, leading to a backlash on social media and prompting responses from state media seeking to alleviate public anxiety. The exact benefits and employment permissions of the K visa remain unclear, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding this 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 fears over whether benefits extended to foreigners would increase competition in a sluggish job market - 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 merely provide easier access into the country, undeterred, tens of thousands of users on Chinese social media criticized 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.

Others questioned the ability of foreign professionals to adapt to life in China, citing challenges including language barriers and the country's tightly controlled political system.

The backlash has prompted state media outlets to step in. On Monday, the Global Times published a piece advocating the scheme as an opportunity for the world to see a more open and confident China in its new era.

As China steps onto the global stage, it is eager for talent more than ever before while it has significantly increased efforts to attract foreigners for tourism, research, and business.

The K visa reportedly targets individuals working in STEM fields and is associated with educational and business exchanges, but the specifics surrounding its execution have yet to be fully clarified.