Chongqing- The supply and demand of returnee talents will both increase in 2023, according to a survey report on China's returnee employment released by Zhilian Zhaopin, one of the top job recruitment sites in China.

Data shows since 2020, the number of overseas returnees seeking jobs in China has surged, with the scale index of fresh overseas students of 1.99, 2.00, and 2.17 from 2020 to 2022, respectively. 

In 2021, about 1.05 million of these graduates returned to the Chinese mainland for work, almost a twofold-rise from 2020, when 580,300 returned to seek employment, according to the Ministry of Education.

Numbers of overseas returnees seeking jobs in China in recent years. (Graphics/ Chen Zhan)

In 2022, the number of international graduate students grew by 8.6% year-on-year, hitting a new high in the number of students returning to China for job hunting.

High-quality and convenient domestic life is the main reason for 58% of international students who decided to return to China, as shown in the report. More recognition of the domestic cultural environment also shares importance with 40% of the total. 

In addition, 32% of students believe there are more job opportunities in China, and 22% believe the country's economic recovery will accelerate. 

It's worth mentioning that China's adjustment and optimization of epidemic prevention policies issued at the end of 2022 also contribute to students who choose to return home. 

Reasons for overseas returnees to seek jobs in China. (Graphics/ Chen Zhan)

As more overseas students return, domestic enterprises rapidly release their demand with the local government's support. 

Cities in China issued various policies to introduce talent. The report finds that in addition to the first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the overseas group also shows interest in new first-tier cities like Chengdu and Chongqing. 

Take Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality as an example. With excellent development potential and high life convenience, and, more importantly, lower living costs, more returnees would like to settle there. 

Analysts said as the overseas group continues to rise, the demand for returnee talents in emerging industries will expand significantly, including biomedicine and equipment manufacturing. 

Especially this year, the recovery of the nation's economy after optimizing the COVID policy will bring more job opportunities to overseas returnees. Returnee graduates will have a better chance of landing a job at home because of their international outlook and the availability of more channels providing employment information, according to China Daily.