Public security departments in northwest China's Shaanxi Province started Tuesday to accept and process foreigners' applications for permanent residence status in the province, announced local police in the provincial capital of Taiyuan.

China launched regulations on handing out "green cards" to foreigners working and living in China for certain period on August 15 and applications for the cards swarmed to public security departments in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing. 

According to the regulations, foreign people who meet the following conditions may apply for permanent residence status in China: high-level foreign personnel who hold posts in major businesses in the country or make large amount of direct investment, foreigners who make contributions of special importance to China and those who come to China to stay with their families.

Lu Zhongke, an officer from Shaanxi Provincial Public Security Department, said once granted "green cards," foreigners can migrate freely on China's mainland. While entering or exiting China, "green card" holders only need to show their cards and passports and do not need to apply for visa upon entry.

At present, nearly 2,500 foreign citizens are based in Shaanxi Province, mainly in cultural, education, scientific and technological fields, and many of them have consulted local public security departments for "green card"-related information, said Lu.

(Xinhua News Agency September 1, 2004)