Foreign employees in Shanghai multiply 13 times in 13 years

BEIJING, Dec. 30 --The number of foreigners who registered for the city's employment permits has increased by 13 times in 13 years.

According to the newest figures from Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, a total of 68,648 foreign nationals had registered for employment permits by the end of November.

Japan, the United States, South Korea, Singapore, Germany and France lead the list of nationality, and the top 10 countries represent 80 percent of all registered.

Of all the expats registered for employment, 32.1 percent are senior managers, 7 percent are senior technicians and 45.9 percent are in management roles.

Shanghai reported a two-digit increase in the number of foreign workers in 2008 -- the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up.

Also this year, 25,157 citizens from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau obtained employment permits in Shanghai with Taiwan contributing 76 percent of the total.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)