Sanya issues first 'green card' to expat

The city of Sanya recently issued its first foreign permanent resident ID card to an expat from France, local media outlet SSTV News reported on Sept 27.

The permanent residence ID card for foreigners, which is known as the Chinese "green card," is a legal document for foreigners to prove their identity in China.

As the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port accelerates, a growing number of foreigners are choosing to work and live in the tropical island province. The ID card is designed to bring many conveniences for foreigners when they handle financial, education, medical, transportation, communications, social insurance, and other affairs in Hainan province.

Godfrey Zwygart, general manager of the port of Sanya Banshan Peninsula Sailing Port and who received the green card, said that it will surely bring him great convenience like saving much time and efforts in applying for a visa and work permit.

Since the launch of the Overall Plan for Construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the South China province has launched a series of policies to attract foreign talents, providing them with a free and convenient employment environment.

"We need more talents, and the new policy will help attract talents. With the construction of a free trade port, Hainan will become a modern and international platform that brings together various industries and trades," said Zwygart.