Time for China to establish immigration bureau

IN THIS YEAR'S GOVERNMENT WORK REPORT, Premier Li Keqiang said China will implement more active, open and effective policies to attract foreign talent. The central government also introduced new measures to make it easier for foreigners to apply for permanent residency. It is high time China set up an immigration bureau, said Beijing Youth Daily on Saturday.

Foreign talent is important to help promote innovation and the setting up of new businesses. In the United States, one-third of patent holders, nearly half the founders or co-founders of its top 50 listed corporations, and nearly half the doctorate degree holders in science and engineering are immigrants.

Historically, China has benefitted from large amounts of immigrants, mainly from neighboring countries. And these immigrants played important roles in the development of China's economy and culture.