Foreigners and migrants can be model workers

The Chinese capital is allowing expatriates to be elected as "model workers" for the first time.

"You don't have to be a Communist Party member, a Communist Youth League member or even a member of the trade union in your company," said Wang Yonghao, director of the marketing department of the Beijing municipal federation of trade unions, the authority that selects the role models. "We are simply looking for people who have the potential to become leaders in society."

For decades, model workers in China have been cast as a political symbols emulating selflessness among the working class. The title is awarded every five years. Winners of the title, many of whom are recommended by employers eager for public exposure, are often forced to endure media bombardment in return for the recognition.