SHANGHAI -- Shanghai has simplified procedures to issue R visa to foreign experts whose skills are urgently needed.

According to the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, as of Feb 28 this year, 52 foreign experts had been granted multiple entry visas with a maximum validity of 10 years.

Shanghai has been among the pilot cities for a new visa system since the beginning of this year.

Of the 52 foreign experts, two have won awards in China, six were heads of overseas research institutes and five were professors at respected universities overseas. Many are high-level managers in Shanghai.