China on July 17 announced 12 measures to make immigration and entry-exit applications easier and more convenient for certain foreigners.

Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said the facilitation measures were part of the first batch of 60 special policies for promoting economic and social development and benefiting the public and enterprises.

From Aug. 1, the country will ease the permanent residence application for more high-level foreign talents, including foreigners with doctoral degrees, and those who have made significant contributions to the country, according to an MPS press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

Foreign spouses and children of qualified foreigners can also join the application simultaneously, according to the MPS.

To improve the country's business environment, long-term visas and residence permits will be issued to foreigners doing business, working or studying in China. Those who are invited by universities, scientific research institutes and renowned enterprises for technology cooperations will be able to get visas or residence permits valid for two to five years.

In recent years, China has issued 133,000 visas and residence permits to foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and technical and management specialists, said Chen Bin, an official from the National Immigration Administration, at the press conference.