Oct 01, Kathmandu - China officially launched a new visa program, the 'K Visa,' on Wednesday with the explicit goal of attracting top foreign scientific and technological talent. This move is being positioned by Beijing as a strategic effort to establish itself as a global leader in science and technology, potentially surpassing the United States.

The program, which was first announced in August, is seen as a direct counterpoint to recent, costly changes made by the US to its skilled worker visa programs.

Chinese state media has indicated that the new visa will significantly simplify the immigration process for highly skilled individuals.

The target group for this new visa is described as 'young foreign scientific and technological talent,' although detailed criteria—such as specific age, educational qualifications, and work experience—have not yet been fully clarified. Xinhua reported that visa holders will be permitted to engage in activities across education, culture, science, technology, entrepreneurship, and business.