As China tweaks social policies, maternity leave grows in Shanghai

Shanghai’s maternity leave has increased from the national baseline of 98 days to 128 days, and paternity leave remains at 10 days. Married couples in Shanghai are also entitled to seven days marriage leave in addition to the three-day national marriage holiday.

These changes, effective March 1, followed the local government release of the Population and Family Planning Rules. Previously, the seven additional days were only given as an incentive to older couples to marry, which was abolished by the revised national family planning regulations in January 2016.

Foreigners can qualify for social insurance

The State Council recently clarified several issues for foreigners attempting to enroll in China’s social insurance program. Foreigners holding a permanent residence permit, whether they are employed or not, may enroll in China’s social security system, including pension and medical care programs. Furthermore, foreign employees with a permanent residence permit are exempt from having to obtain a work permit in China. The document also clarified that the permanent residence permit is regarded as an ID card for foreigners residing in China. This allows foreigners equal treatment when purchasing a house or applying for a driver’s license.

PBOC clarifies procedures to set up a Foreign Credit Inquiry Institution

People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) jointly announced the procedure to set up a foreign-invested credit inquiry institution. According to the announcement, applicants need pre-approval with PBOC to apply to MOFCOM for a setup permit. After obtaining the approvals, the applicant may complete the registration process with the local Administration for Industry and Commerce. Foreign-invested credit inquiry institutions are report to the local branch of PBOC in most regions of China, while loosened regulations on the establishment and operation of foreign credit inquiry companies apply in the country’s four free trade zones.