Shanghai, the biggest city in China, has eased its restrictions on residency permits for overseas applicants, making it easier for foreign experts and senior managerial staff from multinationals in metropolis to obtain residence permits.

Ma Zhendong, director of the Exit-Entry Administration of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, said the move was designed to facilitate business and education exchanges between Shanghai and foreign countries and regions, the Beijing-based newspaper China Daily reported on Thursday.

According to the new regulation made public Wednesday, foreign experts and senior managerial staff from multinationals in Shanghai can also obtain working visas carrying the same term as their residence permits.

Foreigners who have been awarded the title of Shanghai Honorary Citizen, and those who have won the Shanghai White Magnolia Award, are also eligible for the residence permits.

Foreign legal representatives, general managers and deputy managers of foreign companies in Shanghai with 30 million US dollars or more in registered capital can also apply for residence permits valid for up to five years, according to the report.

Qualifying foreigners' spouses and their children under 18 years of age are also eligible for the residence permits.

At the end of this year, foreigners coming to Shanghai for urgent matters can apply for visas when they deplane in the city. "But companies, universities or other institutions in Shanghai that invite or hire foreigners under urgent circumstances must submit on-line applications to the police beforehand," Ma said.

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