CHINA will improve its rules for issuing permanent residence status to foreigners in an effort to boost the country’s talent pool.

    The reform serves the nation’s talent development strategy and responds to social concern, according to a meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform, chaired by President Xi Jinping, on Monday.

    The meeting approved documents related to foreign affairs, proposing that Party leadership in local governments’ foreign affairs work should be strengthened and the management and supervisory mechanism of organs stationed overseas should be reformed, according to a statement issued after the meeting.

    The statement suggests that professional development of foreign affairs workers and foreign aid should be reformed.

    Current recruitment and selection should be enhanced to foster a team of workers involved in foreign services who are politically steadfast, professional in work, have a fine work style and are strict in following discipline.

    The strategic layout of foreign aid should be optimized and the management of the funds and projects should be improved, the statement said.

    The meeting also called for further efforts to make sure green-card holders could enjoy all rights related to residency.

    Meanwhile, China will update its green-card policy this year to make life easier for foreign residents, a source at the Ministry of Public Security confirmed Monday.

    With improved security features, the permanent resident permit is expected to guarantee more rights equal to those of Chinese citizens, such as when buying railway tickets, checking in at hotels and purchasing property.

    “The current green card is designed for entry and exit at the borders,” said a Ministry of Public Security division chief who requested anonymity.

    “However, the new card will be more commonly accepted in daily life. A foreign permanent resident could, for example, apply for a driver’s license using only his or her green card.”

    The official said the ministry is in advanced discussions with other government agencies and will release a draft revision soon.

    China began issuing permanent resident permits in 2004. The green card is among the most difficult to obtain in the world due to the high requirements involved.

    From 2004 to 2013, only 7,356 foreigners were granted the card.

    However, China has been easing its residence and entry policies for foreigners since September 2015.

    Last year, 1,576 foreigners became permanent Chinese residents, an increase of 163 percent over 2015, according to the ministry.

    (SD-Xinhua)