CHINA on Monday promised a series of favorable policies for skilled foreign workers in the pilot free trade zone in Guangdong Province, which encompasses parts of Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Guangzhou.

    Among the 16 measures are simplified permanent residency application procedures and fast-track approvals for skilled foreign workers in the zone, support for foreign students’ startups, accelerated visas and residency application channels for overseas Chinese and lower thresholds for investors in the zone to apply for permanent residency, the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement.

    “These new exit-entry policies and measures are based on the free trade zone’s urgent demand for high-caliber foreign talent, overseas Chinese returning to start businesses, young foreign students, and investors to realize innovation-driven development of the zone,” the ministry said.

    Other measures include allowing foreigners who meet salary and taxation standards to apply for permanent residency, a fast track from work permits to permanent residency for high-caliber talent, and visa exemptions for personnel from certain countries within specified times at Guangdong customs.

    The measures will take effect Aug. 1, the ministry said.

    The Guangdong Free Trade Zone (FTZ) includes the Qianhai Cooperation Zone-Shekou Industrial Zone area in western Shenzhen, Nansha in Guangzhou and Hengqin in Zhuhai.

    While Qianhai and Shekou will continue to focus on the development of the high-end service industry, Hengqin’s development will mainly cover tourism, commercial services, and the high-tech and creative industries. The development scale of Nansha is larger, including port facilities and dedicated manufacturing districts.

    (SD-Xinhua)

    (Read more on P6: Rules eased for expats in FTZs)