Integrated 'Join in Card' launched for expats

China recently issued its first integrated foreigner's work permit and social security card to provide more convenience for foreigners living in the country.

The "Join in Card," available in physical and digital versions, allows expats to access 264 public services in diverse sectors such as government affairs, transport, tourism, finance, and healthcare without carrying their passports or other certificates.

"As a foreigner, I encounter some difficulties and challenges in my work life. For example, it's not very convenient to make an appointment for registration at a hospital or to swipe your card to buy medicine at a pharmacy, to borrow or return books from the library," said Stephen Fox, who works at an energy company in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province.

"With this new card, I can use my phone to make appointments with doctors in advance, just like my wife, in-laws and Chinese friends. I can seek quick medical treatment on arrival. It also offers a great convenience for kids to go to museums and libraries. I don't need to present my passport or go through extra registration procedures," he said, adding that he is looking forward to using it.

Fox, from the United States, has lived in Jiaxing for 13 years and married a Chinese wife. He was one of the first expats to receive the card at a launching ceremony in the city on Tuesday.