MORE than 1,000 foreigners in Shanghai have been granted “green cards,” or permanent residency, since the scheme was introduced 10 years ago.

Half are foreign family members of Chinese nationals who have partners and/or children in China, according to the Shanghai Entry-Exit Administration.

Some 20 percent of those granted permanent residency are foreigners who have worked for more than four years as elite talent or managers in high-tech and other leading industries in the city.