On-site employment services for expats resume

Expats submit their applications at the Employment and Residence Affairs Service Center for Foreigners at Shenzhen Administration Service Hall at the Civic Center in Futian District yesterday. Xia Xiaodan

The on-site service for foreigner’s work permits at the Employment and Residence Affairs Service Center for Foreigners at Shenzhen Administration Service Hall at the Civic Center in Futian District resumed Monday, according to a notice issued by the Shenzhen Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs.

Expats who want to apply for employment permits and visas at the service center are required to show negative 48-hour nucleic acid test results, go through temperature checks and code scanning, and wear masks.

The administration advised expats to opt for online services for their applications. Those who have to receive on-site services are advised to make an appointment through the iShenzhen app and the iShenzhen WeChat account in advance.

The official WeChat account of Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (SMSCE), on its first working day after the lockdown, received a lot of remarks from expats expressing gratitude for the center’s service in combating COVID.

Established in 2017, SMSCE offers various administration consultation and community services such as expats’ residence registration, guidance for public services, regular law consulting and visa consulting for expats.

“During the COVID period, you all have three jobs — helping us expats, being frontline workers and taking care of your families. I also know that because of your work as frontliners, you can’t return to your homes. I would like to say a big thank you to SMSCE for all your help, guidance and patience during this COVID period,” an expat identified as Ronel said in the (SMSCE) WeChat account.

“At difficult times like this, it is natural to feel frustrated, but we are extremely lucky compared to so many others. The hard work the center put in is and always will be greatly appreciated,” another netizen responded.

Under the Shekou Subdistrict Office’s arrangement, SMSCE will open its service today. Rita Yang, director of the SMSCE, said expats can visit the center at the intersection of Nanshui and Shiyun roads in Shekou Subdistrict. If they visit the Shekou Foreign Legal Assistance Center, which shares part of the office with SMSCE in Shekou Subdistrict Administration Service Hall, over law-related issues, they can call 2667-8381 to make reservations.