Information about the coronavirus pandemic will soon be in Chinese textbooks across the country, according to new recommendations released by the Ministry of Education last week. Content related to multiple subjects, such as health, history, Chinese literature, physical education, and of course, biology, will soon be taught as part of China’s compulsory curriculum in grades one through nine. The document explicitly states that the content will be included in national textbooks, but it is unclear how these measures will impact international schools. International school sources asked to comment stated that they have yet to include new COVID-related curriculum but were required to provide basic hygiene and science education to students prior to re-opening. This included providing students with information on handwashing and how diseases spread.

The newly-proposed curriculum was drafted in response to publicly submitted recommendations at the 13^th National People’s Congress (NPC). The proposal advocated for educators to celebrate China’s COVID-19 successes through comprehensive content. The NPC is China’s largest forum to solicit public opinions and policy input. The Ministry of Education’s recent notice does not provide a timetable for drafting this new content but does provide an overview of this curriculum’s three core components.

The first focuses on “cultivating public service awareness,” aiming to motivate students to respond appropriately and proactively in the event of national crises or disasters. This will include content on key leaders in China’s COVID response efforts and character training regarding bravery, perseverance, and having the “daring to act.” According to Chinese media Sixth Tone, the new curriculum will include: “Knowledge of outbreak prevention and control, and content about “the spirit of fighting the pandemic… ‘Students will learn about key figures who emerged during outbreak prevention and control efforts, as well as their deeds,’ the ministry said.”

The second section will provide information on infectious disease prevention, including information on the impact and causes of diseases, as well as other relevant examples. In this third section, students will receive information on State and Party contributions to public safety, with China’s attention to people’s wellbeing and safety as a core component.

KEEP READING: Managing the Stress of School WeChat Groups

Photos: Pexels, Unsplash

Ready, set, vaccine…. appointment. Good news is, sort of, in store for hopeful COVID-19 vaccine seekers. On Oct 12, state-owned China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) launched an online vaccine reservation system. The system is designed to accept COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Chinese students and essential workers living in Beijing and Wuhan. Here’s what you need to know:

Can I get one?

At the moment, it appears that you can’t, or at least, not easily. At present, this unapproved vaccine is intended for Chinese students who will travel abroad and for essential workers. Posts on Chinese social media on Monday indicate Chinese students who are planning to travel abroad from November to January 2021 will be eligible to receive the shot. More than 70,000 people in these categories have reportedly already rushed to make reservations for the COVID-19 vaccine.

But don’t count yourself out just yet, as residents of Beijing, along with Wuhan, will reportedly be among the first recipients of the vaccine.

Does it work?

The vaccine is still experimental. Sinopharm has two vaccine products that have entered Phase III trials in 125 countries, the company reports. Phase III is the final stage before a vaccine can be mass distributed. The company is allowed to distribute the vaccine prior to final approval due to an emergency use clause within Chinese law issued on Jul 22.

What’s the deal with these vaccines anyway?

There are currently about a dozen COVID-19 vaccines in the final phases of development. Chinese vaccine producers have developed four of these options, but Phase III trials are intended as a thorough screening process, establishing vaccine safety and efficacy across populations. Chinese vaccine makers have also reached agreements with countries where the vaccines are being tested. Sinovac, for example, has agreed to provide 60 million doses to São Paolo, Brazil, and 40 million doses to Indonesia by March.

Do other countries have these?

Yes, but most are still trialing these vaccines. Some, like Russia, have claimed that their vaccines are approved, but only for small scale use at present.

How much will it cost?

Both of Sinopharm’s vaccine products reportedly cost 2,600 RMB, but pricing is likely to change as the approval process progresses.

When will people start getting it?

There is no clear timetable for reservations, it appears to be more of a list than a clear appointment system. Chinese companies have reported that the vaccines could be available as early as November.

KEEP READING: Weaning Kids Off Screen Time Post-COVID

Photo: Unsplash

This article originally appeared on our sister site The beijinger.

Arrests and deportation of foreign teachers in China are reportedly on the rise as regulators are cracking down on visa violations and tightening business compliance laws. Law firms report that cases involving foreign teachers have increased rapidly, as much as ten-fold according to some reports, over the past six months. Accompanying this increase in scrutiny are significant upticks in detention for other petty crimes involving foreigners (including public indecency and minor drug violations).

In order to avoid such a bleak fate, here is everything you need to know about legally working in China.

You can not legally work unless you are on a work visa

It is illegal for your employer to ask you to come to China on a tourist visa or business visa for long-term work. Before you leave your country of origin, you must apply for a temporary work permit that allows you to enter the country for employment. This will then be transitioned into a residency permit by your company once you are in China.

Basic required documents for applying for a work visa

• Proof of two years of work experience in a similar given field. Therefore, ask for reference letters from former employers with 1) your job title (try to match it and the description as closely as possible to your new position); 2) duration of employment; 3) employer signature
• Authenticated Bachelor’s degree, meaning that it was stamped by a public notary
• Criminal background check
• Medical clearance

READ: How to Get a Visa and Residency Permit Health Check in Beijing

Be aware of industry-specific requirements

Most reputable teaching jobs in China will additionally require:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
2. Professional qualification (PGCE for UK applicants or TEFL)
3. Two years of work experience
4. A one year contract
5. Minimum age requirement of 24 or older

Be wary of salary/fee issues

While it may be normal to ask new hires to pay part or all of a visa agent’s fee, you should not be asked to make large, upfront payments. If communication is vague, your employer asks for large amounts of money or personal information, it may be a scam. In addition, you should not be asked to work for months without payment (even if you are in a “probation” period, you are legally entitled to compensation). If you see any of these red flags, it may be time to seek other employment opportunities.

Contracts

First off, you should see, review, and sign a contract. While this may seem like an obvious detail, it can be easy to be convinced to start work without seeing these details on paper. In addition, look for clear details in your contract about what happens should you leave your position prior to the end of your contract. Understanding your rights and responsibilities should you need to make a quick exit will save you trouble in the event of unexpected difficulties.

Good luck and happy job hunting!

READ: Government Streamlines Visa Applications for Foreign Talent in China

Image: stuff.co.nz

Ok, you’ve done it. You’ve got the job, the visa, the bank account, the WeChat wallet. Now, what do you have to do to deal with all that hard-earned cash? It’s tax time!

As a foreigner, do I need to pay taxes in China?

If you are a foreign citizen working full time (and legally) in China, then you should be paying taxes. However, China follows a standard withholding and reporting schedule for Individual Income Taxes, so it’s pretty likely that you don’t have to do anything at all in order to be compliant. Under this system, employers withhold taxes from their employees on a monthly basis, filing on their behalf. The deadline for annual tax reports in China is Mar 31. However, some individuals do need to file independently.

When would I need to file my own taxes?

You need to file your own tax report if you fit any of the following criteria:

1. You have more than one Chinese employer
2. You have earned income in China that was not already taxed by an employer
3. You have an annual income of RMB 120,000 or more

If you fall in any of these categories, you need to submit an Individual Income Tax form via the State Tax Administration.

How do I pay taxes?

You can pay your taxes one of three ways: via Alipay, WeChat, or your city’s tax bureau website (Chinese language only).

Do I need to file taxes on income earned outside of China?

Foreign nationals do not need to file taxes on income earned from a non-Chinese source unless they have resided in China for over five years. For more about that, click here.

What happens if I don’t file taxes?

If you are required to file your own taxes, be wary of submitting your paperwork late. If you pay late, you’re subject to a daily fine equal to 0.05 percent of your total required taxes. If you are egregious in your violation, you could be required to pay five times the total unpaid tax amount.

How can I tell if my employer is filing taxes on my behalf?

Unfortunately, you have limited avenues to investigate if your company is filing on your behalf unless your employer maintains public book-keeping records. However, you can ask the finance department of your company for additional information to help you understand if your employer is aware and responsive to tax requirements. First, ask for an invoice when you’re paid with information on tax and social security deductions. Second, follow up in advance of the Mar 31 deadline to request assistance and confirm that your taxes have been properly filed until that date.

Do I have to declare my Chinese income in my home country?

To answer this question, please review the relevant tax agencies in your home country. For Americans, the answer is yes. For American citizens, you must file taxes with the IRS regardless of if you are paying taxes in a foreign country. However, if you are considered a “bona fide resident” of a foreign country (working abroad year-round) or a “physical resident” of a foreign country (residing in a foreign country for 330 out of a 365 day period) you are eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion on any amount up to USD 103,900.

Most other countries around the world do not require you to pay taxes on any income earned if you are not considered a “tax resident.” The standard for being considered a tax resident varies, but is often defined as six months of in-country residence. If you have any doubt about your obligations, check in with the latest laws in your home country, and remember, these can change over time.

READ: Navigating the 2019 Tax Law for Foreigners in China (and How to Calculate Your Own)

Image: mecklaicpa.ca

New draft regulations released on Jul 8 detail noteworthy changes to rental policies in the Beijing municipal area. Among other adjustments, landlords are now prohibited from changing the particulars of rental agreements during lease terms. That is welcome news for anyone who has had their rent jacked up mid-lease, or been told they need to vacate to make space for their landlord’s granny pronto.

Three regulations from the Beijing Municipal Construction Committee detail these changes, the drafted “Beijing Housing Leasing Contract,” and the existing “Beijing Housing Rental Brokerage Service Contract” and “Beijing Housing Renting Brokerage Service.”

The key revisions to the previous iteration (released in 2008) focus on rental terms, releasing practices, contract procedures, and room sharing.

READ: Use this App to Stop Getting Ripped Off by Rental Agents

An outline of these changes are as follows:

• Rental Agreements: Landlords are prohibited from unilaterally increasing rent without agreement from both parties. The original lessee has priority to resign leasing agreements. No more than two people can share one bedroom. Intermediaries are now allowed to sign on lessees’ behalves, providing additional clarification from 2008 regulations.
• Deposits: The draft regulations clearly define the purpose and scope of deposits, stipulating that they should pay for any property damages and the remainder should be returned to the lessee within three business days.
• Contract Procedure: Both parties must present a valid ID prior to signing contracts, and the landlord must present the original certificate of homeownership. In advance of contract termination, the landlord must notify the lessee 30 days in advance.
• Construction Standards: Landlords can’t change the internal structure of rented housing. Further requirements are placed on living spaces, as the per capita living area must be no less than 5sqm.

These changes are intended to provide additional protections for renters (addressing current areas of vulnerability) and streamline administrative requirements for landlords. While these changes are promising, details on how they will be implemented have not yet been confirmed.

New to this Beijing scene? Here’s everything you need to know about renting an apartment

Images: Brownsville.org

For the uninitiated, navigating the bureaucratic systems in China carries a certain degree of challenge. Differences in language and legal system alone will make contracts unfamiliar and intimidating for most foreign residents, increasing the risk that the average expat will sign without a full understanding of the terms of the agreement, or is left without much recourse should terms be violated. To avoid the headache of common contract problems, here’s a basic primer.

The Basics

• Language: Contract language can be chosen by both parties, meaning that you have the option of Mandarin or English. If the contract has an English and Chinese version, only the Chinese version is legally binding. This feature can leave foreigners who do not speak Chinese in a vulnerable position, as terms may differ in the Chinese language version, so if possible, ask to have the contract written in English only.
• Structure: Chinese contracts tend to use simple language and are generally shorter than in most Western legal systems.
• Key provisions: When crafting a business contract with a Chinese counterpart, make sure to include an amendment for damages with the correct business name. Preventing any confusion and clearly establishing legal penalties will save time in the event of a conflict.

Rental Agreements

• Contract length: Rental agreements are quite variable in length and highly subject to a case-by-case negotiation. While you might pay month to month, paying in installments of three to six months is more common.
• Deposit: Landlords may mandate two months’ rent in an upfront deposit. When paying your deposit, avoid paying in cash when possible. Creating a paper trail will help protect you in the event of a dispute.
• Disputes: Renters, whether foreign nationals or PRC citizens, have limited recourse in the event of a rental dispute. In recognition of the challenges faced by renters, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development rolled nationwide laws to clarify the obligations of landlords and protect the rights of tenants in spring 2017. These stipulations prohibited landlords from arbitrarily evicting their tenants, and instituted fines for raising rents prior to the end of lease agreements. Should you need to dispute your rental contract with your landlord, you can take the case to Chinese court. However, expect the process to be lengthy and unlikely to gain a favorable resolution. To save yourself the headache later on, ask for feedback from previous tenants when possible.

READ: How to Find and Rent an Apartment in Beijing: Everything You Need to Know

Work Contracts

• Length: Most contracts for foreigners in China are for one year only and are designed to align with yearly work visa renewal requirements.
• Probation and termination: Inclusion of a probationary period is common, within this timeframe either you or your employer are able to terminate the contract without penalty. When negotiating your contract, pay attention to termination terms. When possible, make sure your employer is mandated to give you at least 30 days’ notice.
• Annual leave: Under Chinese law, workers are guaranteed mandatory annual leave. For more than one year and less than 10 years of work experience in China, you are guaranteed five days of vacation in addition to national holidays. If you have worked for less than a year in China, you are not legally guaranteed any additional leave.

Want to Work for Us? The Beijinger is Hiring!

Phone Contracts

• Key players: the largest mobile companies in China are China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. While you will receive similar service with all providers, there are a few differences worthy of note. China Mobile has the largest market share of the three, so will provide the most options for service no matter where you travel domestically. China Unicom is the only provider that offers 3G services for phones purchased outside of China. China Telecom, in contrast, will not work with any phones bought internationally.
• Getting service: The most common option for foreigners purchasing phones in China is to buy a pre-paid SIM card with a set amount of data and minutes and then top up as needed. If you will be in China for a longer period, monthly service contracts (referred to as “set meals,” or 包月套餐 bāoyuè tàocān in Mandarin) will automatically deduct funds for a set number of minutes and data per month.
• Location: Whenever you purchase your SIM card determines your location restrictions. Although your phone will work in other parts of China, you may need to purchase additional data when traveling domestically.

READ: Everything You Need to Know About How to Get the Elusive Chinese Green Card

Image: talkingconstruction.com