Shanghai community center integrates services for intl residents

A community center in Shanghai's Minhang district is pioneering an integrated approach to assisting foreign residents, combining immigration services, dispute resolution and cultural activities under one roof.

The Huacao International Community Center in the Hongqiao International Hub has assisted around 10,000 foreign nationals living near international schools and international residential communities over the last three years.

Operating within a 1,100-square-meter space, the local exit-entry administration has established a mechanism integrating immigration management with community governance, focusing on precise policy delivery and multilateral participation in social management.

This year, the center has mediated 12 disputes involving foreign nationals.

"Different cultural backgrounds mean residents often have varying understandings of public space usage rules, which can easily escalate into neighborhood conflicts if not handled properly," said Liu Sheng, a local official.

The center established a coordination mechanism linking police stations, judicial offices and law firms to create a complete system of conflict investigation, joint mediation and follow-up visits. The mechanism provides specialized support, including language interpretation and legal guidance.

Yu Biwen, a police officer from Minhang's exit-entry administration, said officers collect residents' concerns through the platform and coordinate with various departments to resolve issues.

"Our main purpose is to bridge the last mile of community service and help them integrate faster," Yu said.

Services extend beyond immigration matters to include traffic management, pet registration, drone registration and vehicle licensing, with relevant departments providing on-site guidance.

The center integrates policy information into daily activities such as Chinese language classes. An international talent service corner coordinates with the Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District and medical centers to provide consolidated government services.