Son Eunhwan displays his new Foreign Permanent Resident ID card at Wuxi Municipal Public Security Bureau's Exit and Entry Administration Bureau. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
The new version of China's Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card was officially issued and came into use on Dec 1, aiming to facilitate the daily life of foreigners in China.
According to the National Immigration Administration, the first batch of 50 foreigners received the card on the day after qualifying for permanent residence in China.
Toh Soo Hock receives his new Foreign Permanent Resident ID card at Wuxi Municipal Public Security Bureau's Exit and Entry Administration Bureau. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
They are from over 20 countries, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and have made outstanding contributions to China's social development.
The first holders of the new Foreign Permanent Resident ID cards include two living and working in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province.
Due to the incorporation of five-starred elements symbolizing the Chinese national flag, the new version of the permanent residence permit is also referred to as the "Five-Star Card".
Simister Kym applies for a new Foreign Permanent Resident ID card at Wuxi Municipal Public Security Bureau's Exit and Entry Administration Bureau. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
The NIA has comprehensively improved and upgraded the machine-readable and visually readable areas of the card. It has also perfected its technical specifications, optimized and improved its layout and enhanced its anti-counterfeiting performance, making it more secure, aesthetically pleasing and practical.
People can use the new card independently when proving their identity, such as for public, government and internet services. There is no need for them to present their passports again.
Furthermore, holders of the "Five-Star Card" can use it, along with a valid passport, for multiple entry and exit from China without additional visa or residence permit procedures.
When living in China, holders can use the card for various types of transportation, accommodation check-in, and handling financial services such as banking, insurance, securities and futures.
