Five foreign citizens received their Chinese "green cards" yesterday from Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, becoming the earliest birds to benefit from China's new green-card policy launched on August 15.
The five are American Joan Hinton and Jane Su, Japanese Kyoko Nakamura and Suzumura Naoko and Russian Oryshich Klavdia.
Twenty-three other foreigners were also allowed residency status in Beijing and will receive their certificates soon.
According to BMPSB official Du Taiyuan, the 28 foreigners are from 10 countries in Europe, Asia and America. Six of the 28 received permanent residency status. Hinton, 82, who has lived in China for 50 years, said it was a "historical moment" to receive the "green card" and become a permanent resident in the Chinese capital.
"I feel honored and expect the green card to allow me more convenience when entering and exiting China," said Hinton.
Chinese green-card holders do not need to apply for Chinese visa and are allowed to relocate freely on China's mainland.