Nineteen foreign personnel who work in Zhongguancun Science Park, known as China's Silicon Valley, now possess green cards, local media reported on April 9.

"Yesterday, I used my green card to board the railway and it feels great to live like local people," said Ahmed Mohammed, a young innovator from Yemen.

Zhongguancun encourages foreign entrepreneurs and employees to make innovative contributions and win evaluation credits with which they can apply for China's green cards.

Ahmed has been living in China since 2005. During his master's program in computing at Tsinghua University, he started a big data company with some Chinese partners.

Staff members deal with daily affairs at the Zhongguancun Service Center for Foreigners. [Photo/people.cn]

"I am fascinated with the vibrant entrepreneurial environment in the Zhongguancun International Incubation center where you enjoy access to high-end talent, ubiquitous investments and world-class internet companies," Ahmed said.

His identity used to pose some problems from time to time. "It would have been a disaster if my visa had been rejected," said Ahmed, "Everything I've worked hard for is here in China."

Ahmed Mohammed got his green card on Dec 12, 2017. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"With this magical card, all my concerns are gone," Ahmed can't help but share his joy with his foreign companions, "China's green cards are not out of our league any more -- develop creative works in Zhongguancun and you may get one yourself."

Since 2016, Zhongguancun has been pioneering a simplified mechanism for foreigners to get green cards.

Ahmed Mohammed (L2) and his partners pose in the Zhongguancun International Incubation center. [Photo provided to Chin Daily]