FOREIGNERS will find it easier to work in Shanghai after the city released a series of policies yesterday to attract international talent as it works to build a global center for scientific and technological innovation.

From November 1, foreigners will only have to apply for a unified work permit as the two types of work permits for ordinary foreign employees and foreign experts will be streamlined into one. The application process will also be simplified.

The city government said implementation details are still being reviewed, but the central authorities have issued some guidelines when they announced this month the launching of a pilot scheme of unified work permit for expatriates in nine provinces and cities, including Shanghai.