The foreigners also received multi-exit-entry visas from the bureau.

This is the first batch of "green cards" issued to foreigners living in Yunnan, said Su Yongming, head of the Exit-Entry Management Office of the Kunming Public Security Bureau.

The term "green card" refers to the green covers of residence permits granted by countries to foreigners worldwide.

The 11 were selected from among all foreigners working in 1,000foreign-funded enterprises in Kunming, and their relatives.

Foreign business people, experts, managerial personnel, technicians and their relatives who meet the requirements set by the city government of Kunming are expected to obtain the "green cards" group by group in the future, according to Lei Xiaoming, deputy city mayor.

Lei said the move also aimed to create a sound investment environment and to make it convenient for foreigners to work and live in the city.

Previously, the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau issued "green cards" to 46 foreigners in February this year, granting them three to five years residency.

This was the first batch of "green cards" China had issued to foreigners working in the country since the founding of New China in 1949. The issuance also indicates a great change in China's policies regarding foreign residency.

Foreigners living in China usually have to renew their residence permits every year or every six months.

According to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security, the "green card" system will be promoted nationwide by the end of the year.

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2003)