Middle Kingdom -
The latest news
on assignments
in China

The zero-covid policy of the economic superpower China and now also the Ukraine crisis have a strong impact on assignments. Companies and their HR departments that are entrusted with sending their employees to China should definitely prepare their secondees professionally for their stay in China. How does leadership work in China? And how do you have to deal with the authorities? Expats should be trained in these topics. They should also be made more culturally aware. Our experts at Global Mobility Services recommend involving a coach on site. In this way, decision-makers can better recognise the strengths and weaknesses of expats and use them profitably. And only in this way can assignments be successful. After all, an expatriation is a concrete personnel development measure to promote competences and performance potential. And as such, it should be continuously defined and reviewed by the departments.

When it comes to assignments, employers have to comply with stricter entry regulations, as work visas are only granted to those who apply to the local authorities for an official letter of invitation (PU letter), and due to the strict zero covid policy they protect their expats even more.

One piece of good news: tax breaks for foreigners in China remain. Those who are tax residents in China can continue to deduct allowances for housing, language courses, home flights or relocation expenses.

And how do they feel, the posted employees in the Middle Kingdom? According to the latest “Expat Insider 2021” survey by InterNations, expats in China find it easy to make friends and have a satisfying working life. However, air quality is poor and access to online services is limited, according to the survey.

Do you need assistance with sending your employees abroad to China? Contact our Global Mobility Services team via mail info@icunet.group or call us at +49 851 988666-0. We will be happy to advise you!