Making it easier to live, work in China

Foreign graduates hug each other at a graduation ceremony at Tianjin Medical University in July. More than 160 foreign students from 19 countries graduated from the university last year.[Photo by Yuewei/Xinhua]

Editor's Note: Gao Xiang is director of policy and regulation for the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, which is responsible for introducing overseas talent to China.

Q: In addition to streamlining the green card process and expanding the pool of candidates, the document released by the central government on Thursday highlights China's attention to overseas talent and its contribution to the country. Does it really help to attract more overseas talent to China by lowering the threshold for obtaining a green card?

A: Offering permanent residence is an important way to attract overseas talent, not only in China, but also in other countries. Green cards offer nearly the same rights of Chinese to foreigners. It makes it significantly easier for foreign talent to stay in China for innovative work or to start a business.

According to an investigation we conducted a few years ago, more than 70 percent of foreigners working in China said they would like to have a green card. However, back then, due to several reasons, many didn't know how to apply or could not meet the high requirements. Also, many who did obtain a green card complained about the limited recognition in society. This will soon be changed.

I believe more foreign talent will be eligible to apply, and they will find it more useful and convenient to live and work in China.

The document also mentions the role of the market when reviewing a green card candidate, such as salary, taxation and social credits. It even mentions a point-based system. This gives the market great weight in judging whether someone qualifies for a green card. Do you see other countries also adopting the same approach? And what does this mean for foreign workers in China?