Last Wednesday, Shekou Daily reported, a 'Management and Service Center for Expats' officially opened in Shenzhen's Shekou area. With full-time English-speaking staff on hand to help with everything from temporary residence registration to 'dispute mediation,' it's big step forward for foreigner-friendly public services in our fair city.
But what exactly are the services offered, and who can use them?
After calling the center to ask, here's what we found out.
Shekou and Shenzhen Bay residents can register here
Rather than going to police stations, foreigners can opt to visit the center instead. If it's your first time registering for temporary residence in the area, be sure to bring the following:
Passport
Copies of the photo and visa pages in your passport
Original and copy of your housing contract
On subsequent visits, you only need to bring your passport.
Registration requirements vary around the city, so if you live elsewhere be sure to check in with your local police station.
All Shenzhen expats can call or visit the center for free advice
Everyone is free to ply the centers' employees with questions. For instance, we quizzed staff on an issue that's gotten different responses from police stations around the city: Do people on short-term visas (allowing stays of just 30-60 days at a time) need to re-register every time they enter the mainland, even if they're living in the same place?
The answer: not necessarily. According to an employee, short-term visa users should re-register after their allotted time is up (so, 30-60 days since their last entry). If they exit and enter China within that timeframe, however, they don't need to register again.
For more in-depth questions, join the WeChat group
The center advertises solutions for 'disputes with landlord' or employers, plus consultations on everything from 'international marriage' to business. According to the staff member we spoke to, the best way to get these issues addressed is to join the WeChat group and post a request. Based on popular demand, the center will schedule appointments or special events as necessary.
To join the WeChat group, simply call the center and ask an employee to add you.
How to get in touch
If you'd like to take advantage of the resources listed above, you can either visit the Management and Service Center for Expats in Shekou, or call 0755 2667 8381.
Staff are available Monday to Friday, from 9am-12pm and 2-6pm.
The center doesn't have its own official WeChat account yet. For the time being, the best way to keep updated on the latest information (after joining the WeChat group) is to check media outlets Shekou Daily and Shenzhen Daily.
See listing for the Management and Service Center for Expats.
[Images via Shenzhen Daily, Shekou Daily]
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