As for myself, I don't expect much of the policy as to be honest I am only a passby here and don't think benefits can be really delivered by the government....
Are You a Beijing Resident?
Unless you hold a coveted hukou, you’re only ever here "temporarily," but this may change by the end of the year. Beijing authorities have announced a new residence permit system that foreigners can apply for, potentially allowing them access to city services and benefits that otherwise are only open to legal Beijingers.
The Global Times reported vaguely on the upcoming change to the city’s residence regulations. Beyond stating that this will be available to foreign residents, it doesn't offer much information about how it will apply to expats, or exactly what benefits will be. This announcement comes shortly after separate adjustments in visa rules for foreigners that will allow the government to better manage the ever-growing number of expats.
News sources, including Chinese-language ones, don’t mention what this “living” permit will change for the holders of it, leading to pure speculation. Some possibilities of the extra services include more health care benefits, educational services or even the ability to purchase real estate.
What services or benefits would you like to see opened up to expats in Beijing? Are you concerned about these new changes for foreigners?
Photo: Baidu.com
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To clarify - the details of this proposal have yet to be worked out and officials are still soliciting public opinion, according to the article, so don't get too excited yet.
In the meantime I, for one, would like to see:
a. Better devised rules on real estate transactions for foreigners;
b. Real penalties on organizations that practice price discrimination against foreign nationals;
c. Clean, breathable air for all.