China's "green card" system will be put into practice by the end of this year, a senior police officer in charge of exit-entry administration said in Beijing Thursday.
The "green card" regulations have been revised several times, said Hao Chiyong, head of the exit-entry administration of the Ministry of Public Security, adding "relevant preparations have been done."
The "green card" will be granted to foreigners with senior management or technological expertise, and foreigners who have invested heavily in China. The cardholders will be allowed to stay in this country permanently and to enter China without a visa.
This is one of the six major reform measures announced in November last year at a national meeting. Hao said four of the six major reform measures have already been implemented.
In February last year, China simplified the procedures for applying for business and tourist trips to Hong Kong and Macao.
From this year on, the visa issuance offices of 25 port cities can grant visas to over-seas tourists for trips organized by Chinese agencies.
(eastday.com August 30, 2002)