Foreigners have been streaming into Beijing for decades now, with many finding work as English teachers. Others do part-time work, some freelance. Some work on the wrong visa, while some even have criminal records in their home countries. The city’s cost of living and sometimes lax standards have meant that foreigners have some career flexibility. But that’s about to change.

Foreign expats trying to find employment in the city of Beijing will now have to fulfill a new set of requirements announced by the local government on Sunday. To work in Beijing, foreigners now must:

• Be between 18 and 60 years old old with no criminal record
• Have a Bachelor’s degree or above with at least two years of relevant work experience. Teaching requires at least five years of relevant experience.
• Have a valid passport or other valid international travel documents, and have a specific name for an employer
• To hold a valid work permit and residence certificate.

The age limit for applicants applying to programs recruiting senior foreign experts is 65.

There are currently 37,000 foreign nationals working in Beijing.

Photo: cnnb