The Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government is a constituent body of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government.

Its main responsibilities include:

1. To carry out guidelines, policies, laws, regulations, and rules related to foreign affairs; to conduct research and draft local regulations, rules, and policies on foreign affairs based on the specific circumstances of Shanghai, and coordinate the implementation of such regulations, rules, and policies.

2. To coordinate the reception of foreign state/party delegations and other important foreign guests visiting Shanghai, and make necessary arrangements for foreign diplomats based in China during their official trips to Shanghai; to coordinate the arrangements for Shanghai municipal leaders participating in foreign affairs events unrelated to business and trade.

3. To organize, regulate, and oversee exchanges between Shanghai and its overseas friendship cities or regions; to carry out friendly exchanges and cooperation with foreign subnational governments; to provide guidance on reception of foreign guests, foreign exchange activities, and the development of sites hosting foreign delegations in Shanghai; to review matters concerning twinning activities by districts in Shanghai with their foreign counterparts.

4. To exercise centralized management of official visits to foreign countries as well as Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs); to review or approve official visits to foreign countries and Hong Kong and Macao SARs by delegations and personnel assigned by relevant departments in accordance with governing rules; to issue passports and provide assistance in visa applications to those visiting foreign countries for official purposes, and issue Entry-Exit Permits and grant exit endorsements to those travelling to Hong Kong and Macao SARs for official purposes; to handle application and approval procedures for outbound official visits by Shanghai municipal leaders; to oversee invitations to foreign visitors and contacts between Shanghai and the governments of Hong Kong and Macao SARs, and issue visa notifications for foreign nationals visiting Shanghai, as well as service, courtesy and diplomatic visas within its authority.

5. To handle matters pertaining to exchanges and negotiations with foreign consulates in Shanghai and relevant consular affairs, and provide guidance for exchanges between local organizations and foreign consulates; to provide policy and subject matter guidance for the employment of Chinese individuals by foreign consulates and overseas media organizations; to act as the representative for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in handling affairs related to foreign news agencies and correspondents stationed in Shanghai within the jurisdiction of the city, review and approve reporting trips of foreign correspondents coming to Shanghai for temporary assignments, and oversee daily management tasks related to these matters.

6. To handle or assist in handling major foreign-related incidents in Shanghai, and conduct Shanghai-related overseas consular protection; to take the lead in coordinating the regulation of activities carried out by overseas non-governmental organizations in Shanghai, as well as foreign-related activities of Shanghai civil organizations; to provide assistance in handling foreign-related security affairs.

7. To review and respond to requests for instructions regarding foreign affairs or foreign-related matters, and instruct and coordinate major foreign affairs and foreign-related activities; to review or approve important international conferences held in Shanghai in accordance with governing regulations; to oversee the convening of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai; to collaborate with relevant departments to conduct research into and address foreign-related issues at ports of entry; to cooperate with competent departments in the administration of expatriates in Shanghai and the recognition and commendation of friendly foreign nationals.

8. To provide guidance to organizations involved in foreign affairs; to oversee education and training of personnel engaged in foreign affairs work on topics such as the international situation, foreign policies, and foreign affairs code of conduct; to supervise and inspect the enforcement of foreign affairs code of conduct, and support competent departments in addressing major violations that could severely jeopardize national interests and reputation; to collaborate with relevant departments to recognize organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of foreign affairs.

9. To oversee and guide the work of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and other social organizations.

10. To oversee the daily operations of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and the Office of the Coordination Group for Hong Kong and Macao Affairs in Shanghai.

11. To oversee relevant administrative reviews and response to administrative proceedings.

12. To fulfill any additional tasks assigned by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government.