China hints that it may relax ‘green card’ policy

China is considering relaxing its "green card" policy by lowering the application and approval threshold in a bid to attract more foreign talent.

The authorities are deliberating revision to regulations on permanent residence for foreigners, considering more flexible and pragmatic application standards, the Organizational Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China revealed on Monday.

China launched its green card system in 2004. Under the system, the foreign family members of Chinese nationals and foreign people who have worked as elite talent and made "significant contributions," or made large investments (at least $500,000), among others, can apply for permanent residence cards.

Nearly 5,000 foreigners had been granted Chinese green cards by 2012, according to a media report. Meanwhile, the number of foreigners living in China had reached 600,000 in 2012.

As of May 23, 1,306 foreigners had gained permanent residence in China through a foreign talent recruitment plan known as the "1,000 talent plan" or through recommendations by central ministries and provincial governments, according to the department.

China is considered the most difficult country to obtain permanent residency in, a drastic contrast to its vast market and need for talent.

Migration to China had increased by 35 percent in the first decade of the century as it is becoming an increasingly attractive destination due to its rapid economic growth and demographic changes, according to the Chinese edition of the World Migration Report 2013 by the Center for China and Globalization, an independent think tank based in Beijing.

However, the report indicated that China lacks an official policy to attract skilled foreign workers.

China introduced a new regulation in 2013 to facilitate entry and exit for foreign nationals, such as increasing visa types, but foreign workers often complain of the confusing and often-changing rules and documents required.