Processed in Just Two Days: Hubei Issues Its First Integrated Social Security Card for Foreign Nationals

WUHAN, China – On February 21, Mohamed Frahat Foda, an associate professor at Huazhong Agricultural University from Egypt, successfully received Hubei Province's first social security card integrating foreigner work permit information at the Bank of China Wuhan East Lake Huanong Sub-branch.

Previously, foreign nationals working and living in China needed to carry both their foreigner work permit and social security card at all times. Starting December 2024, China launched the "integration of permit and card" service, loading foreigner work permit information onto the social security card. This utilizes both the electronic and physical social security card to fulfill the functions of the original work permit.

After learning that the Hubei human resources and social security department had introduced the exclusive integrated social security card for foreign nationals, Mohamed Frahat Foda, who has studied and worked at Huazhong Agricultural University for years, applied immediately. "It was processed in just two days, and I came today to activate it. This card integrates my work permit. From now on, I only need to carry my social security card, which is very convenient," Mohamed Frahat Foda said.

"We have restructured the application process, optimized the card design, standardized supporting procedures, and simplified the application process. Leveraging the various functions of the social security card, we provide more convenient and efficient card issuance and replacement services for foreign nationals working in Hubei," explained a relevant official from the Hubei Provincial Human Resources and Social Security Information Center. Relying on this card, foreign nationals can not only participate in social insurance, access and download work permit information, and enjoy financial services like cash deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and consumption but also benefit from "one-card" access to services in public welfare areas such as human resources and social security services, cultural experiences, tourism, medical treatment and medicine purchases, government services, and daily life services.

"We have consistently focused on optimizing the card usage environment for foreign nationals, providing high-quality service guarantees for overseas high-level talents studying, working, and living in Hubei, along with excellent services including cash deposits, withdrawals, transfers, consumption, foreign exchange settlement and sales, and cross-border remittances," stated a relevant official from the Bank of China Hubei Provincial Branch. For the initial application of the social security card, foreigners need to provide their passport, visa, and a personal digital photo. The bank can offer on-site services for institutions with a large number of foreign staff, such as universities and tech companies, for the batch production and issuance of these integrated social security cards.

It is understood that Hubei Province has currently established 125 service outlets for the physical social security card (loaded with foreigner work permit information). Foreign nationals who already possess a social security card can apply by providing their passport and visa pages. Relevant information can be queried on the official website of Department of Human Resources and Social Security of Hubei Province.

(Source: People's Daily App, February 22, 2025)

Source：Department of Human Resources and Social Security of Hubei Province