The Railway Locomotive Vehicle Driver Qualification Licensing Rules are hardly the most exciting things about China’s rail world, but it looks like a recent amendment of the rules seems to stir up… some excitement.
Namely, as per Article 14, foreign nationals with a Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (Green Card / Five-Star Card) may apply to take exams in order to become a railway train driver in China!
Actually, looking back on previous editions of these rules, this is hardly new, in fact. Previous editions of these rules, which took effect on 01 March 2020 — yes, during Zero Covid, actually — already let settled expats apply! (Back then, this was Article 12 of the Rules.)
And the whole idea itself of letting expats drive, well, trains, is hardly alien. As per a 2012 circular from China’s central authorities, except for political and other special matters, foreign nationals with a Green Card are to be, in principle, treated as if they were locals, as in Chinese citizens. They’re also allowed to join technical competency tests, just like locals.
This could also be why foreign nationals with permanent residency in China are also allowed to sign up for, and use, the official, government-issued Chinese eID. (I know that abroad, this move met with some head-scratching. In fact, in Switzerland, a solution to let private entities issue similar eID was struck down by voters!)
When, then, will the railways get a fresh batch of, for example, Swiss train drivers permanently resident in China — whom of course are well-versed with the Chinese language? I guess we can only guess...
The David Feng Trains view: China is opening up more and more to the world, even after a horrific pandemic. With it serious about “deepening reforms”, I guess it’s only a matter of time before highly-qualified train drivers the world over take to the controls! If you love China and its trains and have taken China to be your permanent home, I guess you deserve a chance at the very front of the train as well!
Special Note: Your Mileage May Vary! Binding are the final arrangements of the concerned rail authorities/bodies on whether settled expats are allowed to drive railway trains.
Source: David Feng
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