The immediate handling of this issue amazed Habib: “What an efficient government! What can be more satisfying than living in such a nice place?”

In the past nine years in Shanghai, the government’s service has become increasingly creative and meticulous, and the daily management and service toward foreign people has been fully integrated with community police. For foreigners such as Habib, the community feels more and more secure and reliable.

Witnessing Shanghai’s new policies as a security volunteer

“In 2003 when my father had just come to Shanghai, our relatives were confused and asked him why he chose China. Now it is all different. Mentioning China and Shanghai, they are all looking forward to visit.” The changes in his family’s opinion toward China represent many foreigners’ changing attitudes. In fact, over the years, Habib finds more and more foreigners working and living in Shanghai. In Chenjiaqiao of Changning District alone, there are over 4,000 foreigners from over 30 countries.

Many foreigners meet some problems when first arriving in Shanghai. Habib is an old China hand and often offers help to them. “Whenever I meet foreigners who have just come to Shanghai, I tell them about the relevant documents and records they need to take care of.” Habib is such a friendly person that while doing business he helps the police publicize legal information to foreigners.

(Habib became one of the first peace volunteers of Shanghai in August 2016.)