Xi'an Issues New Permanent Residence Permit for Foreigners
On the morning of September 8, 2017, 15 foreigners who have long been working and studying in Xi’an received the new permanent residence permits for foreigners from the Exit and Entry Administration of Xi'an Public Security Bureau (EEA) in Xi’an Jiaotong University.
Issuing new permanent residence permits serves as a key step in further reforming the permanent residence system for foreigners, facilitating the effective recognition to the qualification and treatment of foreigners permanently residing in Xi’an. Since promulgation of the Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Foreigners’ Permanent Residence in China, 112 foreigners have gained their permanent residence permits in Xi’an. To make the permit to be used easier, the Ministry of Public Security has been issuing the new permanent residence permits to foreigners who have gained the old ones from June 6, 2017. To date, 82 foreigners have received their new permit in Xi’an.
It is known that as the new permit has more functions, permit holders enjoy the same treatments as those of Chinese citizens in purchasing property, applying for driving license and children admission to school. The new permit can be read by the 2nd generation Chinese ID card reading devices, and used independently for affairs in finance, education, medical care, traffic, lodging, telecommunication, taxation, social insurance, property registry and lawsuits.
As introduced by an officer from the EEA, to facilitate foreigners to live, work and study in Xi’an, his administration has released 15 new measures in 2017 to relax terms in identifying high level foreign talents, lower the threshold to apply for permanent residence and shorten the prescribed time to review and approve visa or residence permit application, paving a solid foundation for attracting foreign talents to the construction of China (Shaanxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone and Xi’an Demonstration Zone for Fully Innovation and Reform.
During the communication with a foreigner in Xi’an Jiaotong University, an official from the competent department of the Shaanxi Department of Public Security noted that public security organs at all levels of Shaanxi Province will constantly improve their services on relaxing terms, broadening application channels, recognizing qualifications and offering treatments to attract foreign talents, providing them with free and favorable environment in Shaanxi.
