By Jin Yuhan

On the afternoon of February 21, at the China Construction Bank branch in the Ningbo Municipal Government Service Center, Dave Towey, Associate Dean at the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, received the city's very first "Join in Card".

"This is the first ‘Join in Card' issued in Ningbo—what an honor," said Towey. "With this card, I no longer need to carry my passport and work permit every time I go out. It really lightens my wallet. This one single card allows me to take public transport, shop, and access healthcare."

Eager to test it out, Towey immediately put the card to use. At Fuqing North Road Station on Metro Line 1, he tapped in seamlessly. "No more buying single-ride tickets—I just tap and go. And if I'm eligible for a discount, it applies automatically," he said.

The name "Join in Card" comes from a Chinese phrase meaning "gathering talents from all over the world". It is part of an important initiative to enhance convenience for foreigners working and living in Ningbo.

Previously, foreign nationals working in China had to apply for a work permit and a social security card—two separate cards. With the current initiative, work permit information is embedded in the social security card, enabling foreigners to access a wider range of services with one single card. This streamlining effort makes working and living in China significantly more convenient.

Ningbo continues to attract an increasing number of foreign professionals. As of 2024, the city is home to more than 7,700 permanent foreign residents.

"For years, I've been in love with Ningbo's unique charm as a port city and its rich culture," said Towey. "Now, with the ‘Join in Card', the government has made it even easier for us to access public services—I feel like a true Ningbo local now."