SHANGHAI, Jan. 18 – For the first time ever, foreigners including those from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan will be accounted for by China’s national population census beginning November 1 in Shanghai.

Census workers will scour the city and collect information on the age, nationality, level of education, profession and population migration of foreign residents. For Chinese citizens, marriage, housing, income and social security information will be asked as well.

The Shanghai Statistics Bureau will provide translated versions of a simpler census form for foreigners. Shanghai Daily reports the census will include foreigners living in the city or staying for more than six months.

Companies are then advised to make sure that resident and visa documents for their expatriate staff are in order for the census. Foreign permanent residents are also reminded to update their police station registration in case of address changes.

For assistance or questions on work and residents visas in China email info@dezshira.com.