In a bid to attract more professional artists and athletes to the capital city, Beijing is offering residence permits and other perks to selected applicants.

Under the new "professional inflow"policy, Beijing is offering preferential treatment to qualified artists and athletes who wish to live in the capital city.

The city has established six eligibility categories.

· Celebrity artists, skilled traditional folk artists and sports stars;
· Professionals who have won international, national or provincial contests;
· Top professionals employed by internationally recognized media companies or sports organizations;
· Specialists in designing and planning, editing and publishing, and sports physiology research;
· Management personnel familiar with market operations and investment in international culture and sports sectors; and
· Outstanding young talents with all-around quality and great potential.

Successful candidates will be allowed to apply for financial and other support once they are residing in the city.

Procedures for obtaining the coveted Beijing residence permit will be streamlined, with applicants simply downloading a form from the Beijing Personnel Bureau website, completing it and handing it in to their employer.

Slots for beneficiaries of this plan will be allocated to five city authorities: radio, film and television; literature and arts; the press; museums; and sports.

Artists and athletes who make particularly noteworthy contributions will be entitled to special government grants. In addition to housing, vehicle and family education subsidies, athletes may be eligible for special retirement allowances.

(China.org.cn by Wang Ruyue March 15, 2004)