Public security departments in northwest China's
Shaanxi province started Tuesday to accept and process foreigners' applications
for permanent residence status inthe province, announced local police here in
the provincial capital.
China launched regulations on handing out "green
cards" to foreigners working and living in China for certain period on August 15
and applications for the cards swarmed to public security departments in big
cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing.
According to the regulations, foreign people who meet
the following conditions may apply for permanent residence status in China:
high-level foreign personnel who hold posts in major businesses in the country
or make large amount of direct investment, foreigners who make contributions of
special importance to China and those who come to China to stay with their
families.
Lu Zhongke, an officer from Shaanxi Provincial Public
Security Department, said once granted "green cards," foreigners can migrate
freely on China's mainland. While entering or exiting China, "green card"
holders only need to show their cards and passports and do not need to apply for
visa upon entry.
At present, nearly 2,500 foreign citizens are based
in Shaanxi province, mainly in cultural, education, scientific and technological
fields, and many of them have consulted local publicsecurity departments for
"green card"-related information, said Lu.