The number of foreigners holding “green cards” in Shanghai increased by 25 between July 1 and August 10, a local official said yesterday.

Mao Dali, deputy director of the Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, said the new additions include people from the United States, France and Japan, some of whom work as executives in the city.

The announcement was made following a change in policy regarding foreigners applying for permanent residency in China, which took effect at the start of July.

Mao did not provide any comparative figures for the number of green cards issued since or prior to the rule change.

The bureau said in June that it was adjusting its policy to make it easier for desirable foreign workers to secure permanent residency status.

Under the new terms, preferential treatment is given to high-earning executives, selected academics and researchers, and people who work for any of the 3,500 firms listed on the official website of the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission.

More information about the new rules is available via the Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau’s hotlines — 32508038 and 32508065 — and its website, 12333sh.gov.cn.