The Entry-Exit Administration of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau announced green card policies for locally-based foreigners yesterday, but few of the city's expats will be granted permanent residence in China.

About 10 foreigners went to the administration's service center to apply for green cards yesterday, the first day local authorities accepted applications.

Peter Borger, vice president of Siemens Company (China), was the first local applicant.
Ma Zhendong, director of the Shanghai Entry-Exit Administration, said there are more than 3,000 eligible foreign nationals throughout the country. He said only about 130 of Shanghai's 60,000 expatriates are qualified.

"Most of them are high-level personnel at companies with major investment in China or those who have made great contributions to the country," he said.

Gerhard Mairhofer, general manager of Shanghai Krupp Stainless Company, is a good representative of those foreign elite who are expected to be approved for permanent residence.

"I feel very honored to be one of the first applicants," said the Austrian, who has been honored with an Award for Outstanding Contribution to Pudong's Development, Shanghai's Magnolia Award and the Shanghai Honorable Citizen Award.

"It will be much easier to enter and leave the country with the permit," he added.
According to Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Aliens which went into effect on August 15, local governments are in charge of accepting applications, but it is the Ministry of Public Security that grants approval.

Applications will take at least two months to approve, said a police officer who wouldn't give his name.
Approved minors will be given green cards valid for five years, while adults will be granted permanent residence status for 10 years, but that status will be revoked from those who are found conducting activities that harm the country's interests or those who violate Chinese laws, authorities said.

"If the foreigner seeks approval through deception or stays in the country for less than three months a year, they will be deprived of their permits, too," Ma said.

The cost to apply for a green card is 1,500 yuan (US$180).

Due to the strict requirements and procedures, the city has set up two hot lines (6357-7925 and 6357-6666) for applicants to make inquiries about the process or their eligibility.