Xiao Zhang is among the
first to receive a “green card.”
Zhejiang Province recently introduced a “green card” plan that
grants migrant workers more rights and privileges. The advent of
the new plan brings an end to the previous temporary residence
documentation that has been in place for more than two decades.
Hailing from Guangzhou City, Xiao Zhang finished her schooling
in Jiaxing, an eastern city in Zhejiang Province, and then worked
in a local factory manufacturing bags. The “green card” will change
her status from a migrant worker to a full local resident, offering
her more opportunities.
Zhejiang Province’s booming economy is a magnet for migrant
workers, whose numbers currently total 15.5 million. The steady
flow of migrant workers into the area has gradually rendered the
temporary residence documentation ineffectual.
Therefore, in July 2004, the Zhejiang government renovated the
residence documentation system, loosening some restrictions on
migrants seeking employment and or running businesses. In September
2006, the government formally proposed to abolish the temporary
residence documentation. The main purpose of the initiative was to
narrow the urban-rural gap, and Cixi and Pinghu were listed as two
pilot cities for the project.
According to the recent plan, the “green card” would be similar
to residence cards used in other cities, but with more substance.
The holder of such a card would be offered almost identical
services as native residents regarding social security, employment,
education, and housing.
Xiao Zhang can now get government aid if she falls ill, and
apply for a government-financed house reserved for low and
medium-wage earners. It is also easier for her to obtain permanent
residence status, known as hukou, which will exempt her from
paying extra fees for her children’s future schooling in the
city.
Pending the success of this pilot program, the government is
drafting details regarding the admission process for future
applicant pools.
(China.org.cn by He Shan, November 22, 2007)
