To the employers concerned:

In order to strengthen the prevention and control on pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus, reduce gatherings of people, deal with administrative procedures efficiently and safely online, as well as to protect the lives and health of the people in this city, we hereby give noticeof relevant matters as follows:

I. In order to helpcurbthe spread of the virus and facilitate all employers to handle the administrative permit-related procedures online, during the prevention and control period, the examination and approval process of work permit for foreignersworking in this city will be temporarily adjusted to avoid close contact. Employers with B- and C-class foreign workers can submit a letter of commitment online toapply for a work permit notification, as well as for the extension of work permitsor for cancellationon the internet instead of submitting paper documents to the authorities.

Procedures involved in applying forwork permit notifications, as well as for the extension or alteration of work permits for other classes of foreign workers remain unchanged and there is also no need to submit paper documents to authorities.

2. It is recommended that foreigners who have obtained awork permit notification but have not yet entered China should try to obtain a Z visafrom overseas Chinese embassies and consulates. They can arrange their trip to China within the validity period of the Z visa (generally three months) according to the actual situation.

Foreigners who have applied for Z visabefore the epidemic prevention and control period but delayed their trip to Shanghai past the expiration date of Z visa, due to the epidemic situation, can enter China with other visas if their employer submits relevant proofof information.

3. Examination and approval authorities shall strengthen their supervision and establish an integrity list of employers and alist of abnormal or false promises. Employers shall ensure that the materials they submit are true and valid and cooperate with the verification work of the supervision.

Where there is provision of false materials or failure to provide the originals of essential documents, the examination and approval authority will give different responses depending on the situation. For example, cancelling their right toexamination and approvalof any commitment (including salary commitment, 123 service commitment, etc.) or postponing procedures to handle the work permit application. Where an administrative permitis obtained by deception, the examination and approval authority will have the right to cancel the administrative decision in accordance with the law.

4. In order to avoid cross-infection and curb the spread of the epidemic, employers can consult on business and operation issues through telephone hotline, WeChat or website message. Telephone service hotline: 8008205114 (landline) 4008205114 (mobile phone).

5. Employers should consciously and properly wear masks to protect themselves when handling business at the reception windows. If there are suspicious symptoms indicating a new coronavirus infection, such as fever, cough, sore throat, chest tightness, etc., please inform the staff and cease conducting your business and please take all materials and discarded masks away when leaving the reception window.

This notice shall be implemented from the date of issue. After the epidemic situation is over, the execution time will be notified separately.

Attachment: Template for "Letter of Commitment for Online Work Permit Application for Foreigners Working in Shanghai"

Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology

Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs

Feb. 1, 2020

Attachment:

Letter of Commitment for Online Work Permit Application for Foreigners Working in Shanghai

To Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (and other examination and approval authorities):

Name of employer (XXX), basic information of foreigners employed: last name (XX), first name (XX), passport number (XXX), gender (XX), nationality (XX), date of birth (XXXX), etc. Under application number (310XXXXXXXXXXXXX) and application type (XXXXX), we hereby apply for anonline work permit application for foreigners working in Shanghai.

We promise to faithfully submit relevant materials and reflect the real situation, as well as be responsible for the authenticity of the substance of the application materials. If these prove not to be completely authentic, we will voluntarily accept the relevant administrative penalty decision and bear relevant legal responsibilities.

Contact: Contact name (employee of the employer)

Contact phone: contact office phone and mobile phone number

                           Employer's signature (with official seal)

                       year month day

Source: WeChat account: sthrdec

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