Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong (L) and Xu Ganlu, vice minister of the Ministry of Public Security and head of the State Immigration Administration, sign a memorandum of cooperation on Nov 19. [Photo/WeChat account:sh-italent]

The Shanghai Municipal Government and the Ministry of Public Security signed a memorandum of cooperation on Nov 19 to establish a more convenient exit-entry and immigration system for foreigners.

According to the memorandum, the two sides will cooperate on reforming immigration management and exit-entry policies through joint research.

The Shanghai Municipal Government also pledged to better manage foreigner-related affairs by promoting online government services.

Xu Ganlu, vice minister of the Ministry of Public Security and head of the State Immigration Administration, said that both bodies will assist Shanghai in further reform and opening-up by helping the city develop innovative policies.

In recent years, the Ministry of Public Security and State Immigration Administration have issued a series of pilot policies related to residence permits, immigration, and the exit and entry of foreigners in Shanghai, making it easier for high-end foreign talent and professionals to work and conduct scientific research in the city, and making it more attractive to foreigners who wish to tour, study, or hang out in the city. The policies are also expected to boost foreign innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in Shanghai.

Through ministry-city cooperation, more preferential immigration management policies are expected to be introduced in Shanghai, which will serve as a model for other cities in China, Xu said.

Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong said that Shanghai's main strength is its openness to the outside world and that a convenient exit-entry system is important for developing it into a true world city.

He said that Shanghai has made great progress in carrying out pilot policies, as it has become one of the most attractive cities in China for expats. He also thanked the central government for providing policy support for Shanghai's innovative reform.

Ying said he hoped Shanghai would implement more immigration management reform measures and work to improve its urban management and services.