An expat receives a new residence permit at the Exit and Entry Administration Center in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Yiwu in Zhejiang province has granted a two-month visa and work permit extension for foreigners who currently can't enter China due to the worldwide pandemic, local media reported on March 30.

"Thanks a lot! My work permit would have been expired if not for this temporary regulation. That would have been a nightmare as I would need to fly back home and gather a bunch of documents," said a Korean businessman surnamed Kim, one of the policy's first beneficiaries.

The city of Yiwu recently collected health information on a total of 5,200 foreign experts working in 119 enterprises in order to offer them timely consultation services.

The local government has also launched an online examination and approval system for foreigners in need of new work permits. Employers no longer need to submit paper document and all procedures have been moved online. To date, the online approval service has handled 4,522 applications and granted 821 work permits.

For those having trouble providing certain documents, a letter of commitment signed by the expat's employer is also acceptable as long as the necessary materials can be provided within a month after the end of the outbreak.

Commercial insurance agencies are also being encouraged to offer short-term epidemic-prevention products for foreigners to ensure their safety and health during this difficult time.