Seven foreigners were caught working illegally in mid-June in Shenzhen's Futian District, police said Tuesday.

Four Americans, two Canadians and one Australian were hired by an English training company as teachers in Shenzhen.

The company did not follow relevant law procedures and the seven foreigners had been working for the company from February to May without legal work and residence permits. The company was fined 8,000 yuan (US$960) and foreigners 500 yuan each. Police also shortened the visa duration of the seven foreigners.

The local entry and exit administration office says foreigners have to follow several steps to gain a legal work permit.

Firstly, foreigners have to fill out a temporary residence form at the local police station or hotel.

Then, they need a physical check at the Huanggang Hospital (83774038) near the Binhe Road. Foreigners can get a work permit at the municipal labor and social security bureau with a temporary residence form, body check results, passport and visa. They then go to the local police subbureau near their home and have an interview with police officials. If everything goes well, they can go to the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau for a residence permit. Finally, foreigners will get an employment permit from the labor bureau after all these procedures.

(Shenzhen Daily June 23, 2005)