Since 1993, the Tibet autonomous region has received seven groups of officials and professionals from inland provinces and municipalities to work in the high-altitude region.

The first group of visitors worked in the region for as long as eight years. But the length of service was later reduced to three years because the high altitude and harsh environment can damage the health — and even threaten the lives — of outsiders working on the plateau. Local officials say the visitors should be rewarded with good positions when they return to their hometowns.

Before being transferred to Tibet, those selected for the program have to undergo a series of stringent checks, including health and political background. During their stay, they are paid their full salary by their home department, and some higher-ranking members also receive an allowance and a subsidy from local governments in Tibet. County-level officials should not be older than 45, while lower-ranking workers should not be younger than 40.

Ma Xinming, head of the Beijing branch of Aid to Tibet in Lhasa, said the region's continuing economic development depends on attracting the most-qualified people. "Many of the visitors have master’s degrees or higher and have been working in their fields for a long time."

Years ago, visiting officials were promoted before they assumed their new positions, and they also would be promoted on their return home, Ma said, but now many people volunteer for posts and the prospects for promotion are limited.

One local official, who preferred not to be named, said: "Considering the harsh environment and high risk of heart disease or other illnesses, the government should formulate strict regulations for the promotion of these visiting officials. They are sacrificing their health by working on the plateau."