The Exit-Entry Department of the municipal Security Bureau announced that new rules are in place that reduce the minimum waiting time for foreigners who are seeking residence permits in Beijing.
In the past it took at least 15 working days to secure a permit, but under the newly implemented policy, it has been cut down to 10, while waiting time has been reduced to at least five days, according to Che Yan, director of the bureau's administration department.
However, Che clarified that the policy with the submission of required documents and their pertinent fees remains unchanged.
Furthermore, foreigners are expected to submit an application to extend a permit 30 days before it expires and changes to their living or working details must be updated within 10 days.
According to Lie Jiewei, a police officer involved in the examination and handling of foreigner visas, the people most likely to benefit from the new rule are those involved in overseas investment enterprises and technological companies at Beijing's Zhongguancun Science Park.
These are usually individuals who hold high positions or those technology professionals, and their permits under the new policy could be extended up to two or five years.
Such experts can acquire a multiple-visit or talent visa that gives them the chance to stay for not more than 180 days per visit.
Ada Jen, a government affairs manager at the International School of Beijing, shared that she is glad about the convenient changes that will surely benefit certain foreigners.
"It's great to hear that the police will shorten the time for which they keep our passports to issue residence permits, which can sometimes take a month and make it impossible for us to travel," she said.