Can foreigners change jobs as freely as we do?

Can foreigners change jobs as freely as we do? Of course not. Foreigners need to change their work permit before changing jobs. Foreigners working within China shall obtain work permits and work related residence permits in accordance with regulations. No unit or individual shall hire foreigners who have not obtained work permits and work related residence permits. Why do foreigners need to change their work permits when changing jobs? If the work unit has been changed but the work permit has not been changed, which does not meet the requirements for foreigners to work in China, it is considered illegal employment. A QR code will be displayed in the lower right corner of the work permit, and scanning the QR code will display the foreigner's work unit and specific position. If there is a change in the employer or position of the applicant, an application must be submitted to the licensing decision-making body within 10 working days from the occurrence of the change. The "Regulations on the Administration of Employment of Foreigners in China" stipulate that the employer of foreigners in China must be consistent with the unit indicated on their employment certificate. Foreigners who change their employer within the area specified by the issuing authority but still engage in their original occupation must obtain approval from the issuing authority and complete the procedures for changing their employment certificate. Therefore, after the change of work unit in China, foreign personnel need to promptly cancel their original work permit and apply for a new work permit before working in the new unit, otherwise it will constitute an illegal act. If the employer changes and does not engage in the original profession, the employment permit procedures need to be re processed.