Xiao Zhang is among the first to receive a “green card.”

Zhejiang Province recently introduced a “green card” plan that grants migrant workers more rights and privileges. The advent of the new plan brings an end to the previous temporary residence documentation that has been in place for more than two decades.

Hailing from Guangzhou City, Xiao Zhang finished her schooling in Jiaxing, an eastern city in Zhejiang Province, and then worked in a local factory manufacturing bags. The “green card” will change her status from a migrant worker to a full local resident, offering her more opportunities.

Zhejiang Province’s booming economy is a magnet for migrant workers, whose numbers currently total 15.5 million. The steady flow of migrant workers into the area has gradually rendered the temporary residence documentation ineffectual.

Therefore, in July 2004, the Zhejiang government renovated the residence documentation system, loosening some restrictions on migrants seeking employment and or running businesses. In September 2006, the government formally proposed to abolish the temporary residence documentation. The main purpose of the initiative was to narrow the urban-rural gap, and Cixi and Pinghu were listed as two pilot cities for the project.

According to the recent plan, the “green card” would be similar to residence cards used in other cities, but with more substance. The holder of such a card would be offered almost identical services as native residents regarding social security, employment, education, and housing.

Xiao Zhang can now get government aid if she falls ill, and apply for a government-financed house reserved for low and medium-wage earners. It is also easier for her to obtain permanent residence status, known as hukou, which will exempt her from paying extra fees for her children’s future schooling in the city.

Pending the success of this pilot program, the government is drafting details regarding the admission process for future applicant pools.

(China.org.cn by He Shan, November 22, 2007)