(Photo/Chinanews.com)

Beijing issued its first Foreigner's Work Permit (FWP) card on June 26 after implementing the country's new work permit policy.

The permit was issued to a senior executive at BMW China Services Ltd.

China's State Council made a decision to combine the Alien Employment Permit and the Foreign Expert Certificate into a single work permit to improve efficiency and reduce supervision loopholes.

The new work permit will be a valid form of identification for foreigners living in China. With a lifetime registration number, easier management will be achieved. The card is equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) and shows cardholder information, including name, picture, passport number, license term, company, and unique registration number.

The new permit will be recognized by diplomatic, public security, custom, tax, education, and labor departments.

According to Beijing Municipal Human Resource and Social Security Bureau, the city has opened a "green channel" to attract and serve the high-caliber personnel from overseas.

Approval procedures have been reduced and paper materials are not necessary for foreigners who meet certain standards. In addition, applicants can now receive their permits in just 10 days after application.