Chinese nationality was once the hardest nationality to obtain in the world!
In 2021, Nanda from Syria held a small red book in his hand, filled with anticipation, while his wife and children excitedly discussed as they finally welcomed the long-awaited moment.
The "green card" issued by China tightly connected this Syrian family to this distant land, marking an important chapter in their lives in China.
Reflecting on this journey across the ocean, Nanda had many feelings.
In 1999, he first set foot on Chinese soil; at that time, he was just a salesman for a Syrian sewing machine company, sent to Guangzhou to attend a trade fair.
For Nanda, China was once a distant and mysterious country, but his first experience in Guangzhou broke that impression.
The modern cityscape, towering buildings, complex traffic networks, and bustling crowds opened his eyes.
What shocked him even more was China's rapid economic development. When he learned about the achievements China had made over the past decade and the future development plans, he realized that an era full of business opportunities was thriving on this land.
After returning home, Nanda recommended the Chinese market to his company, but at that time, the company remained cautious.
It wasn't until China joined the WTO in 2001 that various opening policies followed, prompting the company to decide to enter the Chinese market. Nanda was appointed project manager, returning to China to collaborate with a company in Taizhou.
In the following decade, Nanda witnessed the tremendous changes in China.
Taizhou, where he worked, transformed from an unknown small city into a modern metropolis, and the development of surrounding cities was astonishing.
Despite his success in business, Nanda always missed his wife and children in Syria, as work kept him separated from his family for long periods, with rare reunions each year.
When he returned home to visit, his wife's complaints filled him with guilt, and he began to consider bringing his family to live in China.
However, the sudden outbreak of the Syrian war changed everything.
In 2011, the flames of war spread rapidly, turning the once peaceful homeland into ruins, leaving thousands of families displaced.
In China, Nanda was anxious and eager to reunite with his family.
With the help of his company, Nanda finally succeeded in bringing his wife and children safely to China, leaving war-torn Syria behind, allowing the family to reunite.
Upon arriving in China, Nanda's wife and children faced language barriers, and the process of integrating into local life was not smooth.
With government assistance, Nanda's two daughters entered local schools and quickly adapted with the support of teachers and classmates.
At the same time, to help his family adapt to Chinese cuisine, Nanda began learning to cook Chinese dishes. The enthusiastic help from neighbors allowed him to make significant progress in his culinary skills, and the whole family gradually fell in love with Chinese food.
On weekends, Nanda often took his family out to explore, and the beautiful sights of Taizhou became places filled with wonderful memories.
Here, they gradually experienced Chinese culture, participated in celebrations of traditional festivals like the Spring Festival, and felt the rich cultural atmosphere.
In 2019, Nanda's youngest son was born in China, and the expansion of the family strengthened his determination to stay in China.
However, worries about the expiration of their visa lingered in his mind. Not being able to renew it meant they would have to leave this warm home and return to war-torn Syria.
In 2021, on a friend's suggestion, Nanda decided to apply for permanent residency in China, known as the "Chinese green card."
He knew that obtaining the green card was not easy; it required meeting multiple conditions and going through complicated procedures. Throughout the long wait, he remained hopeful.
Finally, Nanda's family received good news: their application was approved! At that moment, Nanda was overwhelmed with emotion, tightly embracing his wife, tears glistening in his eyes.
For him, this green card was not just a symbol of identity, but also a recognition and sense of belonging for him and his family.
Now, Nanda's family has lived in China for over ten years. Their three children receive education here, and their fluent Chinese integrates them with the surrounding environment.
Nanda's career has also been thriving; he has become the head of his company's operations in China, fully managing the business.
Looking back, Nanda feels deeply moved. He believes that China is a country full of opportunities and hope, and his initial choice was wise. He is grateful that China has given them a warm home.
The story of Nanda's family is a microcosm of many foreigners living, working, and studying in China.
They come from different countries, carrying their own cultures, yet choose to take root in China, contributing to the development of this land.
This story showcases, from another perspective, the inclusiveness and openness of Chinese society, as well as the powerful allure of its economic development.
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