Residence cards for migrants
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06/28/2002
The first group of 60 people from outside the city were granted Shanghai residence cards on June 16, enabling them to enjoy the same privileges as locals.The card was designed to attract more skilled workers to the city, and both domestic and overseas people can apply for the card, as they do not need to change their residence or nationality. The cards, awarded in mid-June, were divided into two different categories - A and B. Thirty Chinese skilled workers from outside Shanghai were given card A, and the other 30 overseas skilled workers received card B. Li Sanli, director of the Computer Engineering and Science College at Shanghai University, got the first card A, although he is a permanent resident of Beijing. "The implementation of this policy shows that the city is moving to integrate itself with the rest of the world," said Li, who participated in research development of a computer project. Chen Zhongsu, a Chinese American who now works at the Shanghai Stock Exchange, received a card from the B category. With the card, he said, it will be much more convenient to exit and enter China for his frequent trips. "Also, the troublesome formalities of cross-broader remittance will not bother me," he added. Different from traditional residence, local authorities believe that the new policy will be more flexible. The system of residence, is the so-called "hukou" in Chinese, and almost everything in a person's daily life is connected to that system. Since "hukou" is under the administration of different levels of governments, it brings a great deal of trouble to migrants. Without "hukou", a migrant may find it difficult to look for a job, place children in school, and qualify for social welfare benefits. Yet, the new residence card, which is not linked to a person's residence, will solve all these former problems. Under the new policy, card holders can start their own ventures, and they can enjoy social security and reserve funds for housing. Also, children of card holders can enter school as local children. The card's period of validity varies from six months to one year, three years, and five years. Card holders may apply to renew expired cards. China Daily news
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