German exec to receive Chinese high-level foreign talent visa

Axel Schweitzer, chair of Germany's ALBA Group, has been granted a high-level foreign talent visa, becoming the first German to get this visa since Chinese authorities began issuing them on January 1, 2018.

Axel Schweitzer, Chairman of Germany's ALBA Group, is granted a high-level foreign talent visa in China on January 23, 2018.

Shi Mingde, China's ambassador to Germany, personally awarded the high-talent visa to Axel Schweitzer in Berlin, Germany, on January 23. 

"The state-of-the-art technological concept in ALBA Group meets the development of China and will have bright and prosperous cooperation prospect in China," said Shi Mingde. "Along with the issuing of high-level talents by China, more talents will be attracted into China to contribute to the construction of China and the cooperation between China and Germany," he added.

ALBA Group is one of the top 10 global recycling and environmental services companies.

Axel Schweitzer (center), Chairman of Germany's ALBA Group, is awarded the high-level foreign talent visa in China on January 23, 2018.

To try to attract more foreign talent into China, foreign experts whose skills are in urgent demand would be allowed to stay in China for up to 180 days at a time, with multiple entries on a visa valid from five to 10 years.

Microsoft Asia Pacific region human resources director Sajualumootil George was the first person to be granted the high-end talent visa in China on January 2, 2018.