China allows labor contracts signed in electronic form

China's human resources authority has made it clear that employers in the country can ink written labor contracts with job seekers by means of electronic signatures.

When concluding a labor contract in electronic form, relevant parties shall use data messages and reliable electronic signatures that conform to the law and regulations, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said in a statement.

The employer shall ensure that the electronic-form contract is complete and accurate and will not be falsified.

An electronic labor contract will take legal effect once it is signed in accordance with the law, and both parties shall perform their respective obligations under the contract, according to the ministry.