New visa scheme for Chinese business representatives
UK Visas and Immigration has announced a new scheme which should simplify the process of inviting colleagues from Chinese companies to the UK. The ‘Select Business Scheme UK’ streamlines the visa application process for those in question, thereby encouraging investment and business links between China and the UK.
‘The scheme demonstrates a further strengthening of the relationship between UK Visas and Immigration, the CBBC and the British Chamber of Commerce in China’ – Dominique Hardy, UK Visas and Immigration
The scheme will be available to members of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) and the British Chamber of Commerce in China. It will also be offered to members of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and companies referred by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).
‘The Select Business Scheme UK will simplify the visa process for companies by reducing the number of documents required to support an application’ – Lord Sassoon, Chairman of the CBBC
The scheme offers a shortened process to representatives of Chinese businesses in that they will only need to supply an application form, an invitation letter and a letter of employment in support of their visa application. CBBC members will be provided with a welcome pack and will be assigned a single point of contact within UK Visas and Immigration to offer support and information throughout the process. In addition to this exclusive service, members will receive news and updates on important information from UK Visas and Immigration on further changes or improvements to the visa service.
‘I very much hope that CBBC’s members will take advantage of the service to strengthen links between Chinese and British companies.’ – Lord Sassoon
The initiative was well-timed in its announcement on the eve of the annual China Outbound Conference, held on Wednesday 22 October in Beijing. The conference saw the attendance of over 200 business leaders and government officials at the conference which is specially designed to help Chinese investors explore the UK market. The new scheme will certainly be welcomed by Chinese businesses, whose representatives are in essence being offered a VIP service when applying to enter the UK as business visitors.
