IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? China and France have implemented a “1,000 interns” program.

What does the change mean? The program allows 1,000 French nationals and 1,000 Chinese nationals to intern in each other’s country in 2016.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visas marked as “internship.”
  • Who is affected: French and Chinese nationals ages 18 to 30.
  • Business impact:The interns must have accepted a job offer with an employer and the visas are expected to have a duration of three to six months.

Background: The intern program is part of a Sino-French agreement that was signed Nov. 2 and effective April 1. To qualify under the “1000 interns” program, applicants must be 18 to 30, either a university students with at least two years of study or a new graduate within one year, and have accepted a job offer with an employer in the destination country.

BAL Analysis: The agreement signals economic cooperation, and the intern program provides an opportunity for French and Chinese employers to hire young interns.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact china@bal.com.

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