China’s new K visa for foreign professionals officially came into effect on Wednesday, but it has already stirred controversy.

Initially announced in August with little attention, the programme gained global headlines after Indian media described it as “China’s H-1B” — a comparison to the U.S. skilled worker visa, which is dominated by Indian applicants.

The description triggered a storm on Chinese social media, with many users expressing fears that foreign professionals — particularly from India — would intensify competition in an already fragile job market.

Amid the heated debate, state media outlets have moved to calm public concern.

It remains unclear whether the K visa will grant foreigners the right to work in China or simply ease entry, but the backlash has also exposed a rise in xenophobic and racist commentary online. Authorities have not yet issued a formal clarification on the visa’s full scope.