On the morning of January 15th, at the Guangzhou Municipal Government Service Center, ANNO BERNHARD DEDERICHS, a German associate professor from the School of Foreign Languages at Sun Yat sen University, received a special physical card from the staff. Great! With this card, work and life can be as convenient as the citizens of Guangzhou

This is the first batch of integrated entity cards for foreigners’ work permits and social security issued by Guangdong. Recently, many foreigners in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhuhai received these physical cards at the same time as Annuo.

Two in one Foreigner Work Permit and Social Security Card

From December 1, 2024, China will officially implement the integration of foreigners’ work permits and social security cards, load foreigners’ work permit information into the social security card, and rely on the functions of the social security card to provide more convenient and efficient services for foreigners working in China.

Reduce the cost of certificate processing and strengthen the effective connection between foreigners working abroad and multiple businesses

Convenience is the biggest feature of this card.

Foreigners’ work permits and social security cards are important vouchers for foreigners to work and live in China. Originally, foreigners working in China need to apply for them separately. After the implementation of the policy, foreigners do not need to apply for physical work permits after entering the country.

It is worth mentioning that this new version of social security card will integrate the functions of foreigners’ work permit information inquiry and social security card service voucher, payment and settlement, fund issuance, etc., to provide card holders with convenient “one card” applications in social security, medical treatment and drug purchase, transportation, cultural tourism, financial consumption and other fields.

In this way, not only the time and cost for foreigners to apply for permits have been greatly reduced, but also the effective connection of foreigners’ work permits, work type residence permits, social insurance and other businesses has been strengthened.

While receiving the physical card, foreigners can also get the electronic social security card loaded with work permit information. Through the electronic social security card APP, they can view the license information, download the notice, expiration reminder and other services.

At the scene, Diane Nuo said that he was very honored to be the first foreigner in Guangzhou to receive the physical card of the new social security card. He looked forward to taking the subway, shopping, and seeing a doctor with this card. He felt that he could enjoy public services as conveniently as citizens living in Guangzhou, and truly integrate into Guangdong life.

The first batch of physical cards will be issued simultaneously in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Zhuhai

Recently, many foreign experts from Germany, Canada, the United States, Turkmenistan and other countries received the first batch of foreigners’ work permits and integrated social security entity cards in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhuhai.

Various physical cards are integrated with different characteristic functions in different regions. For example, physical cards in Guangzhou provide foreigners with functions such as entering parks, dining halls for the elderly, and taking public transportation.

Guangdong has always adhered to the concept of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, continuously creating a more internationally competitive and attractive talent development environment. On the basis of the comprehensive implementation of the work permit system for foreigners coming to China and the visa system for foreign talents, Guangdong has carried out pilot reforms to facilitate the work of foreigners coming to China, comprehensively promoted the recognition criteria for foreign “high, qualified and highly skilled” talents, and promoted more foreign investors, outstanding graduates, and scientific and technological innovation talents to come to Guangdong for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Among them, Guangzhou is the first in the province to launch a pilot project to facilitate foreigners’ work in China, allowing foreigners to make changes between relevant units in Guangdong Province, and being eligible for filing can be exempted from re applying for work permits; Zhuhai, together with the public security department, has set up a “one window acceptance” service window for foreigners’ work permits and residence permits in China, and piloted the policy of exemption from approval and filing for foreigners’ work permit changes

Guangdong will implement a more active, open and effective talent policy, form a talent system with international competitiveness, continue to create a more friendly and convenient environment for foreign talents to work and live in Guangdong, and promote international talent exchange and cooperation.

Source: Southern Daily, Southern Daily+