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In
a survey of 121 members, 49% said foreign workers are either
significantly less likely to - or are refusing to - move to
China because of COVID-related policies, with 82% singling out
uncertainty over how long quarantine and lockdown times will
last as the main reason.
"We are bracing for a mass exodus of foreign talent this summer,
with fewer employees overseas willing to take up open positions
here in China," said chamber chairman Colm Rafferty.
International flights into China remain extremely limited and
subject to short-notice cancellations, with passengers needing
approval from overseas Chinese embassies before boarding, and
most arrivals requiring three weeks of quarantine.
"We understand China choosing to prioritize health and safety
above all else, but the current measures are throttling US
business confidence in China," Rafferty said.
Overseas business groups continue to chafe against the COVID
controls that have seen most of the 25 million population of
Shanghai in lockdown for over a month, with curbs also
tightening in the capital Beijing. [L2N2X102N]
The survey found that 51% of respondents have either delayed or
decreased investments as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, with
58% having decreased their revenue projections for the year.
Last week a European Chamber of Commerce in China survey found
that almost a quarter of respondents were considering moving
current or planned investments out of China, more than double
the number at the start of the year. [L2N2WX0DG]
(Reporting by David Kirton; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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