Chinese Green Card "Zhongguo Luka" for Easier to Live, Work in China
According to a recent document issued by the central authorities, China will improve its permanent residence permit application procedure for foreigners. In other words, it will be much easier for foreigners to get a Chinese green card in the future.
The new policy is of great significance for China, as it will make it easier to attract more oversea investment and talent.
According to the document, the qualification criteria for a green card will be more flexible and pragmatic than before. The country will evaluate those applying for permanent residency based on their salaries, taxes and social credit in China.
Permanent residency applications from foreign professionals under key government talent programs will be given priority.
For high-level professionals and foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to the country, application requirements will be simplified and the waiting time for approval shortened. Excellent overseas students will also be subject to fewer requirements if they want to work in China.
The document also clarified that foreigners with permanent residency in China will enjoy equal treatment with Chinese citizens in terms of purchasing property, children's education, obtaining a driving license and other social rights.
Editor's note: Gao Xiang is director of policy and regulation for the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, which is responsible for introducing overseas talent to China.
China Daily: In addition to streamlining the process to get a green card, or permanent residency permit, and expanding the pool of candidates, the document released by the central government on Feb 18 highlights China's attention to overseas talent and its contribution to the country. Does it really help to attract more overseas talent to China by lowering the threshold for obtaining a green card?
Gao Xiang: Offering permanent residence is an important way to attract overseas talent, not only in China, but also in other countries. Green cards offer nearly the same rights as those of Chinese to foreigners. It makes it significantly easier for foreign talent to stay in China for innovative work or to start a business.
According to an investigation we conducted a few years ago, more than 70 percent of foreigners working in China said they would like to have a green card. However, back then, due to several reasons, many didn't know how to apply or could not meet the high requirements. Also, many who did obtain a green card complained about the limited recognition in society. This will soon be changed.
I believe more foreign talent will be eligible to apply, and they will find it more useful and convenient to live and work in China.
The document also mentions the role of the market when reviewing a green card candidate, such as salary, taxation and social credits. It even mentions a point-based system. This gives the market great weight in judging whether someone qualifies for a green card.
Q: Do you see other countries also adopting the same approach? And what does this mean for foreign workers in China?
A: In Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, we have seen the implementation of a point-based system. We have also launched a pilot project in Shanghai. For foreign talent, I think it means that more will be eligible to apply for a green card. Before, only a few employers could recommend their foreign employees for a green card, such as state-owned enterprises or universities. And it had to be a foreigner with a senior position. This time, the document plans to abolish the requirements on the type of employment and job title.
Q: Another highlight is that, according to the document, "green card holders should be included in local population management systems and be offered services such as language training, employment and legal assistance, so as to integrate them into society better and faster". Is this the first time such an issue has been addressed?
A: Yes, it is the first time to mention this issue in such an important document. It shows the adjustment of the government's role from management to providing service. Based on other countries' experiences, foreign workers with green cards can be motivated to engage more if they can integrate into society. We don't simply want them to come here, we also want foreigners to stay and contribute to China's development in a win-win manner.
Q: The document also mentions that there will soon be a management system to monitor green card holders' work, taxation and social credits. What does this mean? Which government agency will take the responsibility for this work?
A: It will be a joint effort from many related government bodies. It will not be a difficult task. By taking advantage of big data, we can have a better and efficient management system for green card holders. For cardholders who seriously violate local law or regulations, or provide fake information when applying for a permanent resident permit, the green card can be revoked.
Please view more details at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/lifestyle/2016-03/01/content_23700630.htm
