More than 10 expatriates in Shenzhen have obtained permanent residence application forms from the city's public security bureau, although an application has not yet been filed.

"Since we received the Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Aliens in China from the Ministry of Public Security on Aug. 23, we have had more than 200 foreigners' inquire about the 'green cards' through various channels," Dai Hao, a police officer with the bureau's entry-exit administrative division, said Tuesday.

At the beginning of the week, the city's public security bureau prepared to accept applications.

To process applications, the bureau installed a new computer system and sent staff members to receive training at the provincial public security department.

"A high threshold for the 10-year 'green cards' may be the main reason leading to the fact that few foreigners who received application forms have returned them to us," Dai said. Those qualified include high-level foreign personnel who hold posts in businesses which promote China's economic, scientific and technological development or social progress, foreign citizens who have made large direct investment in China, foreigners who have made outstanding contributions or are of special importance to China and foreigners who come to China to be with their families.

It will take six months for the relevant public security authorities at various levels to complete the process of examination and approval from the Ministry of Public Security.

Official statistics show that there are more than 10,000 foreigners living and working in the city.

China officially started to implement its own "Green Card" system, which allows foreigners to apply for permanent residence in the country Aug. 20 after the Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Aliens in China was approved by the State Council and was effective from Aug. 15.

So far, major cities in the country such as Bejing, Shanghai, Wuhan and Chengdu have started to accept "green sards" applications since Aug. 20.

The proposed "green card" system is one of several major changes that China's exit-and-entry administration will undergo during this year and next.

Editor: Olivia