At a May 16 press conference, Haikou unveiled five institutional innovation cases to advance the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, including a pioneering credit rating system for international employers and professionals. This initiative enhances the management framework for international talent working in Haikou.

The system operates through a credit rating mechanism, categorizing foreign employers and professionals into four tiers—red, white, gray, and black—based on their compliance records. 

With red as the highest tier and black as the lowest, highly rated employers and professionals will be eligible for prioritized, streamlined document processing procedures, while those rated lower face enhanced oversight and will receive enhanced procedural guidance. 

In Sept. 2023, a one-stop service window opened in the Haikou Government Service Center, slashing work and residence permit processing from 28 to 7 working days for expats.

According to local authorities, the system was established to optimize the business ecosystem and attract high-caliber international businesses and talents to Haikou.

According to the Exit-Entry Administration Division of the Haikou Public Security Bureau, the system has so far processed work-type residence permits for over 1,200 international professionals.