Physical Foreigner’s Work Permit will be replaced after 1 Dec 2024
Early on 3rd June this year, the Foreigner’s Work Permit (FWP) Management and Service System was transferred/merged with the Human Resources and Social Security Services Platform (SC Online Platform). Since then, companies need to log in to the Social Security Online Platform for the FWP application.
Now, to merge the FWP and social security cards (SC Card), the FWP Management and Service System released, on 25 November, a Notice on the Downtime Update of the Management Service System for Foreigners Working in China, announced that the system will be down for updating from 29 November 2024 at 18:00 to 1 December 2024 at 18:00. This means that the information of FWP will be registered directly into their social security card.
Some foreigners in China wonder whether this means they have to apply for a physical social security card and pay social security. In this regard, we will discuss some main points.
How to get your FWP information in the future?
Foreigners can find them via the app E-Social Security Card by following the procedures:
- Download the E-Social Security Card APP (after 1 Dec 2024)
- Register with the foreigner’s name, FWP number, and information
- Real-name authentication
- Get an E-Social Security Card (with FWP information included)
Should all foreigners with valid FWP register the E-Social Security Card immediately?
The new application, extension, modification, and cancellation of FWPs are handled entirely online through the FWP System via SC Online Platform. Foreigners no longer need to apply for a physical FWP upon entering China.
For those who have already obtained a physical FWP, following the principle of “no change, no replacement” in accordance with the Comprehensively Implementing the Work Permit System for Foreigners in China and the Notice on Issuing the Service Guide to the Foreigner’s Work Permit in China, the process will be handled according to the new integrated card and permit procedures when the existing FWP is extended or modified.
Can foreigners (with FWP but not yet paid social security) get E-Social Security Cards?
Every foreigner with the FWP can register for the app and get an E-social security card. The differences are:
- social security paid, obtain a physical Social Security Card and activate the full benefit/function of social security in China.
- social security not yet paid, obtain an E-Social Security Card with registered FWP information.
Is it an obligation to pay for social security after obtaining an E-social security card?
For this part, it does not make a special statement. However, judging from the series of measures taken by the government: firstly, the merger of the FWP Management and Service System and the SC Online Platform, and then the abolition of the physical FWP and the merger of the Social Security Card, this means that the government has already grasped the unified information, and the control gradually tends to be integrated. This may likely be one of the directions of the future focus on regulation.
Per our consultation with the FWP bureau, there should be further a practical standard to release so that each applicant can follow. Furthermore, the first login after the system migration also requires the cooperation of the enterprise’s relevant personnel to reset the password or more supporting information to complete the loading of data into the new system in a good manner.
There is still a transition phase after the start of the new policy. Foreigners who need to process work permit related applications on time after 1 December 2024 need to reserve sufficient time in advance to consult with the FWP bureau case by case and complete the necessary processes.
If you have such a request or any questions, you can contact us.
