New rules put flesh on the bones of a more equal system

An American citizen received green card from China in 2009. [Photo/IC]

The feeling of triumph I felt when I received my Chinese green card in 2014 was one that I will never forget. Triumph is certainly the appropriate word, as Chinese permanent residents' permits are regarded as one of the most difficult to obtain in the world due to the high requirements involved.

That's why I am pleased to see the proposals in the document issued jointly on Thursday by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council on the management of foreigners' permanent residence, as these will hopefully make things easier for those following in my footsteps.

One of the most important proposals outlined in the document is that the application and approval process will be simplified and shortened. I submitted my application in 2010 and did not receive the treasured card until 2014, so you can see why this proposal rings a bell with me.

Many countries have clear criteria relating to the application and approval process for permanent residence, such as a set period of time in which the application will either be accepted or rejected, and the applicant will be notified of the decision. I sincerely hope that, when these proposals get fleshed out and become actual laws and regulations, that is something the Chinese authorities will pay serious attention to.