China will introduce a new visa category for young science and technology talent, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

"To promote exchanges and cooperation between the professionals between China and the rest of the word, China will add a K visa to its ordinary visa categories," said Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the ministry.

Guo said Chinese embassies and consulates will soon release specific information about the K visa applications.

The introduction of the new visa category was unveiled in August following a decision by the State Council.

Applicants for this visa must meet the qualifications and requirements set by relevant Chinese authorities and submit supporting documentation.

The new rules will take effect on October 1.

Compared with the existing 12 ordinary visa types, K visas will offer more convenience to holders in terms of number of permitted entries, validity period and duration of stay.

After entering China, K visa holders can engage in exchanges in fields such as education, culture, and science and technology, as well as relevant entrepreneurial and business activities.

Bar specific age, educational background and work experience requirements, applications for K visas do not require a domestic employer or entity to issue an invitation, and the application process will also be more streamlined.

The decision comes as China continues streamlining visa rules to promote international exchanges over recent years. As of the end of July, China had introduced unilateral visa-free entry or mutual visa-exemption agreements with 75 countries.

(With input from Xinhua)