More than 1,000 professionals from 400 firms have so far applied for the incentives under Zhuhai’s new housing policy introduced on Feb 6, the southern Guangdong city’s Organization Department told China Daily on Monday.
The policy offers young talents who started working in Zhuhai after June 1, 2023, free accommodation for the first year, a 70-percent rent reduction for the second year, and 50 percent for the third year.
“We’re striving to establish one of the nation’s most comprehensive housing systems for young professionals,” said Li Tengdong -- a senior official of the Zhuhai Municipal Party Committee’s Organization Department.
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He pledged to embrace all types of talent beyond relying on educational merit. The incentives are designed to be inclusive – they’re not only for young individuals with undergraduate or higher qualifications, but also cover skilled professionals and experts with specific expertise.
Permanent residents of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, as well as those approved under Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, or Macao’s High-end and Outstanding Talent Recruitment System, are eligible for these benefits.
A WeChat Mini Program application platform has been accepting applications since Feb 6. The Organization Department said the policy has been well received by local enterprises.
The first batch of 1,000 apartments is expected to be made available by the end of this month. Up to 7,000 apartments are due to be launched this year, with the aim of providing 36,000 units within the next three years.
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“The new policy offers tangible support for newly hired graduates, greatly enhancing companies’ competitiveness in their quest for talent,” said Fang Haizhou, managing director of Zhuhai-based Essex Bio-Technology.
To attract professionals, many enterprises in Guangdong province provide accommodation for new employees.
Xiao Yibo, founder and chief executive officer of Protoga -- a biotechnology startup in Zhuhai -- said the housing perks can help companies reduce overall labor costs, enabling them to allocate more funds for technological research and innovation.
