
Overview:
- Our client is dispatching numbers of expatriate employees to Qidong COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. to provide technical support for the FPSO project of the shipowner.
Scope of service:
We are responsible for assisting our client in obtaining work permits, visas, and residence permits under client’s sponsorship for a group of expatriates.
Challenge faced:
1. Communication Difficulties:
Applying for work permits and residence permits for our expatriate staff is a routine task. However, handling applications under a client's sponsorship presents unique challenges. It involves managing a longer communication chain, as we must liaise not only with the client’s overseas counterparts regarding expatriate documentation, but also with the client’s local point of contact for all necessary local documentation.
Given the client’s varying levels of familiarity with the local visa application process, we take the lead in ensuring alignment between all parties. To facilitate this, we designed a process flowchart that clearly outlines the tasks each party is responsible for. Additionally, we organized several conference calls with all involved parties to provide briefings, establish an action plan, track progress, and allocate responsibilities effectively.
2. Stricter Visa Material Review in China:
The local authorities impose strict requirement for foreign visa application than the other regions, especially within the shipbuilding industry. As a result, maintaining ongoing communication with the local Foreign Expert Bureau and the Immigration Administration was essential to clarify additional document requirements and ensure that the submitted materials met the necessary review standards.
Outcome:
- Successfully assisted our client’s expatriate staff in obtaining the necessary work and residence permits, as well as managing the cancellation process during demobilization.
- Provided training to the client’s counterparts on the China visa process, enabling them to become visa experts in their own right.