China has officially started to implement its own "Green Card"
system, which allows foreigners to apply for permanent residence in
China, the Ministry of Public Security?announced
on?Friday.
Spokesman of the ministry Hao Chiyong announced at a press
conference in Beijing that Regulations on
Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Aliens in
China has been approved by the State Council and is effective
from August 15.
Hao said issuance of the regulations "indicates the official
implementation of the 'Green Card' system in China".
"This is a significant move by the Chinese government to adapt
to economic globalization, push forward reform and opening-up and
the modernization of socialism still further, and normalize the
regulation of examination and approval of permanent residence of
aliens in China," said Hao.
According to the regulations, eligibility for permanent
residence mainly applies to high-level foreign personnel who hold
posts in businesses which promote China's economic, scientific and
technological development or social progress, foreign citizens who
make relatively large direct investment in China, foreigners who
have made outstanding contributions or are of special importance to
China, and foreigners who come to China to be with their
families.
The regulations provide that there is no limitation on the
period of stay of aliens with permanent resident status in China,
and they need not obtain visas and can enter and leave the country
with their valid passport and Alien Permanent Residence
Permits.
The Alien Permanent Residence Permits are valid for five or ten
years. Certificates with five-year validity are granted to minors,
while certificates with ten-year validity are granted to
adults.
Hao said the regulations are aimed at meeting China's demand for
high-level foreign personnel and foreigners' aspiration for
permanent residence in China and more freedom in entering and
leaving China.
The Chinese government has already published a series of laws
and regulations on alien's entry and exit, and long-term and
permanent residence in China.
Since the implementation of a law on control of the entry and
exit of aliens in 1985 and the law's enforcement regulations in
1994, China has approved permanent residence for over 3,000
foreigners, said Hao.
(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2004)