SHANGHAI — To avoid gatherings during the novel coronavirus outbreak, Shanghai has expanded its online work permit application services for more foreign employees, according to local authorities.

The online services were limited to top talent but now benefit more foreigners since February, including professional talent and unskilled workers, who do not have to submit paper materials now.

The move allows the application, extension and cancellation of foreigners' work permits to be processed online.

As an employer of over 400 foreign pilots and crew members, China Eastern Airlines said one foreign pilot and 15 foreign flight attendants have successfully extended their work permits online during the epidemic.

Statistics from the Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs showed that as of Feb 17, over 1,515 work permit applications had been handled online since the implementation of the new policy.

There are more than 210,000 foreigners working in the metropolis, the largest number of foreign employees in China.