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China is seeing a sharp rise in overseas-educated students returning home as visa rules tighten and jobs shrink abroad.
Overseas-educated Chinese students return home amid tightening visa rules and limited job opportunities abroad. (Representational image/File)
China is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of students returning home after studying abroad, as job opportunities and visa policies tighten in several foreign countries. In response, the Chinese government has launched a special national platform to help overseas returnees find jobs and start businesses.
According to China’s Ministry of Education, around 4.95 lakh students returned to the country in 2024, marking a 19.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Experts believe this number is likely to grow further in the coming years. Zheng Jinlian, vice-president of the Beijing-based think tank Centre for China and Globalisation, said the trend reflects changing global conditions, with overseas employment becoming increasingly difficult for international students.
She noted that countries such as the United States have tightened visa rules, making it harder for foreign graduates to secure jobs. While China’s economy is also facing challenges, she said domestic opportunities may still be comparatively better.
China has historically sent a large number of students abroad, mainly to the US and Western countries, often supported by government schemes and bank loans. Between 1978 and 2024, about 7.43 million Chinese students completed their education overseas, of whom nearly 6.44 million eventually returned. These returnees have played a key role in China’s development, particularly in technology-driven sectors.
To support the growing number of returnees, the Ministry of Education has partnered with 50 organisations to offer career guidance, entrepreneurial mentoring and direct job matching with local governments and companies. Priority sectors include artificial intelligence and new materials.
The initiative was announced during an event in Shanghai marking 30 years of the Chunhui programme, which encourages overseas-educated professionals to contribute to national development.
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However, the rising number of returnees has also increased competition in China’s job market, where more than 12 million graduates enter every year. This has led to concerns among local graduates, as foreign-educated candidates are often preferred for their technical skills and English proficiency.
China’s leadership has said it will work on an integrated plan to strengthen education, technology and talent development.
(With inputs from PTI)
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