Unified card beefs up services for expat workers in Fujian

Fujian's first batch of physical cards integrating foreigner work permits with social security cards was issued in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, on Jan 2.

Luigi d'Apolito, an Italian foreign expert and recipient of the Fujian Friendship Award, was the first recipient.

After a straightforward 20-minute process, Luigi, who has dedicated 12 years to Xiamen University of Technology, held it in his hands.

"With the integrated card, life will become much simpler for expats!" Luigi said.

Previously requiring multiple cards for tax and medical purposes, now a single card unites the processes, making it much more convenient.

China announced a new policy to integrate foreigner's work permits with social security cards, effective from Dec 1, to making things easier for foreign nationals working in the country.

It realizes the idea of one-application processing online for work permits, allowing expats in China to get convenient service in multiple areas, including medical care, pension, finance, culture and employment benefits.

Xiamen is said to be committed to delivering thoughtful services during card issuance, including dedicated service windows, bilingual services and permit expiration reminders. Expats can access different services like transportation, cultural experiences and tourism using their electronic or physical social security cards, really boosting the convenience of living and working in the city.

Currently, the pilot bank, Bank of China's Xiamen Branch, has established six social security card service outlets in the city for distributing the cards to expat workers.

The next phase will see the Xiamen Human Resources and Social Security Department expand the service to all 16 banks in Xiamen.