AN integrated platform offering services for expats in visa and work permit applications has been put into operation, according to an announcement of the city’s immigration administration Friday.

Employers that hire foreign employees can log onto https://wgfw.ga.sz.gov.cn, and, after facial recognition, upload the applications for either or both of the two businesses, and make reservations. After they pass the preview, they can then hand in the printed copies to Shenzhen Employment and Residence Service Center for Foreigners which is located at the Administrative Service Hall of the Civic Center, and at the work stations for expats in Qianhai and Zhaoshang Subdistrict.

The system that offers one-stop service for expats by joining the two businesses together cuts the processing time by half from 14 days to seven days.

Previously, foreigners working in Shenzhen needed to apply for work permits through the system of the Shenzhen Administration for Foreign Experts Affairs, and then apply for residence permits through the system of the Shenzhen immigration administration.

Under the new mechanism that breaks down the silos, the two departments shared the data bank and management of personnel through business integration and process re-engineering. The applicants need to submit one set of documents and apply once, without necessarily going between departments.

The system also has a function to remind expats to renew or extend their documents through text messages. The information registered through the system will be shared with temporary residence system of Shenzhen police and expats do not have to update their residence information at local police stations.

(Han Ximin)