Rich Chinese opt for a life abroad
Source: Xinhua |
December 13, 2010, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
Zhou Qun, who moved to Germany eight years ago, has every reason to distance herself from the stereotyped, and often incorrect, image of traditional Chinese immigrants.
First, the 28-year-old Chinese woman has no blood-and-sweat story of toiling in a foreign restaurant. She owns a company that makes millions of dollars every year by selling stylish clothes to local German chain stores.
Second, though she has obtained the permanent right to reside in Germany, Zhou said she would like to spend more time in China.
"Life here is quite comfortable since Germany has better welfare provisions, but our families and friends are mostly in China," said Zhou, who travels often between the two countries.
Like Zhou, many rich Chinese now see immigration as a path to a better future without having to bid farewell to their homeland forever.
China used to supply the world with destitute, toiling workers, but sociologists say the trend is changing, with more wealthy, well-educated Chinese moving abroad.
According to the statistics released by its Department of Homeland Security, the United States approved the settlement of 1,971 investment immigrants from the Chinese mainland in 2009, surpassing the number of 1,360 Chinese immigrants in 2008.
Obtaining a US EB-5 visa (for immigrant investors) requires at least US$500,000, or over 3.4 million yuan. Years ago, it would have been impossible for most Chinese people to afford that.
But since 2003, a booming domestic economy has enriched many entrepreneurs and made immigration possible, said Qi Lixin, chairman of the Beijing Entry and Exit Service Association.
In Wenzhou City, a bustling export port in Zhejiang Province, entrepreneurs are flocking overseas, said Chen Yongcong, head of the Wenzhou Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.
"Many have gained permanent residency in foreign countries in order to enjoy more privileges in their business," said Chen.
Aside from entrepreneurs, some rich Chinese citizens are also emigrating because of the cleaner environment, safer food, and free medical service in developed countries.
Qi Yi, who runs a real estate consulting company, said he emigrated to Canada to provide a better education for his daughter.
"The test-oriented education in China is too stressful. It's not good for the growth of a child," Qi said. "I hope my daughter can acquire a broader view and more open values, and have a more enjoyable adolescence."
First, the 28-year-old Chinese woman has no blood-and-sweat story of toiling in a foreign restaurant. She owns a company that makes millions of dollars every year by selling stylish clothes to local German chain stores.
Second, though she has obtained the permanent right to reside in Germany, Zhou said she would like to spend more time in China.
"Life here is quite comfortable since Germany has better welfare provisions, but our families and friends are mostly in China," said Zhou, who travels often between the two countries.
Like Zhou, many rich Chinese now see immigration as a path to a better future without having to bid farewell to their homeland forever.
China used to supply the world with destitute, toiling workers, but sociologists say the trend is changing, with more wealthy, well-educated Chinese moving abroad.
According to the statistics released by its Department of Homeland Security, the United States approved the settlement of 1,971 investment immigrants from the Chinese mainland in 2009, surpassing the number of 1,360 Chinese immigrants in 2008.
Obtaining a US EB-5 visa (for immigrant investors) requires at least US$500,000, or over 3.4 million yuan. Years ago, it would have been impossible for most Chinese people to afford that.
But since 2003, a booming domestic economy has enriched many entrepreneurs and made immigration possible, said Qi Lixin, chairman of the Beijing Entry and Exit Service Association.
In Wenzhou City, a bustling export port in Zhejiang Province, entrepreneurs are flocking overseas, said Chen Yongcong, head of the Wenzhou Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.
"Many have gained permanent residency in foreign countries in order to enjoy more privileges in their business," said Chen.
Aside from entrepreneurs, some rich Chinese citizens are also emigrating because of the cleaner environment, safer food, and free medical service in developed countries.
Qi Yi, who runs a real estate consulting company, said he emigrated to Canada to provide a better education for his daughter.
"The test-oriented education in China is too stressful. It's not good for the growth of a child," Qi said. "I hope my daughter can acquire a broader view and more open values, and have a more enjoyable adolescence."
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
