Mao Chen, American-born Chinese CEO of Pudong-based Viva Biotech Ltd, is the first to receive the permit in Pudong, Shanghai, on Dec 13. [Photo/Pudong Times]

Shanghai's Pudong New Area issued its first hybrid work permit to a foreigner on Dec 13. The new permit combines the Alien Employment Permit and Foreign Experts Certificate and is part of a pilot project launched in November to streamline the application process for foreigners.

In the past, Shanghai expats have been required to acquire the paperwork through separate government agencies, a process that could sometimes take months.

Foreigners working in China will now be assigned an identification number, one recognizable and to be processed by the agencies of public security, customs, taxes, education, and human resources.

The new program enables highly skilled expats to enter China without submitting work permit applications- they only need to complete an online application after having been granted an invitation to work from a Shanghai-based company.

Furthermore, expats who have previously applied at least twice for a one-year work permit will now be eligible for a five-year work permit.

Mao Chen, American-born Chinese CEO of Pudong-based Viva Biotech Ltd, was the first to receive the permit in Pudong. He was impressed by the five day turnaround and believes the new application process is very convenient.

Currently, three sites in Pudong are handling the processing of these new work permits; Zhangjiang administrative service center, Pudong administrative service center, and Lingang Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park. In December, Pudong International Talent City will become the fourth such center.

The pilot program forms part of Shanghai's strategic attempts to lure top level talent to accelerate its scientific and technological development.