As the 42nd Teachers’ Day draws near, the themed event “A New Start with Customs Closure, Teachers Thrive in the Free Trade Port” was held in Haikou. Six foreign teachers and education experts from Italy, Singapore, Ireland, the United Kingdom, South Africa and other countries gathered at Hainan Enya‑St. Peter School. They shared their genuine reflections on working and living in Hainan and recounted touching stories of putting down roots in Hainan and growing alongside the Free Trade Port.
Chinese and foreign teachers from Enya‑St. Peter School engage in exchanges at the event. Photo by Feng Xianhang
In December 2025, the full‑island customs closure operation of Hainan was fully launched. Policy dividends of the Free Trade Port keep being unlocked and the talent environment continues to be optimized. Supported by core policies including zero‑tariff treatment and the preferential 15‑percent tax rate for enterprises and individuals, coupled with facilitative measures such as visa‑free entry for nationals of 88 countries and the one‑window service for foreign talents’ work and residence permits with simultaneous certificate issuance, Hainan is fostering an increasingly international and convenient talent ecosystem. Its appeal and capacity to attract foreign talents keep rising.
Dr. Jonathan Zhou, an Italian scholar of economics and law who has spent 14 years working in Hainan, successfully obtained his Chinese Permanent Residence Permit this year. As a Category E high‑level talent under the Hainan Free Trade Port scheme, he is eligible for a suite of exclusive supporting policies, including rental subsidies, housing purchase preferences, and streamlined school admission procedures for his children.
“The high‑level talent policy system is well‑established and thoughtfully implemented, giving us greater confidence to settle long‑term and pursue our careers with peace of mind in Hainan,” Dr. Jonathan Zhou commented in fluent Chinese.
A sound business environment, thoughtful government services and an inclusive urban atmosphere have led a growing number of foreign educators to pursue long‑term careers in Hainan and put down roots in the Free Trade Port. It is reported that Hainan Enya‑St. Peter School currently has 32 foreign teachers from 16 countries, 60 percent of whom hold a master’s degree or higher. Half of the foreign teachers have worked in Hainan for more than three years, forming a stable, high‑quality international teaching faculty.
Foreign teachers share their stories of putting down roots in the Free Trade Port. Photo by Feng Xianhang
Christine Anne Daphna, the British Vice‑Principal, recalled that within the first 24 hours of her arrival in Hainan, she was instantly captivated by the fresh surroundings and warm cultural vibe. Ranging from targeted guidance on work permits for foreign talents and bilingual convenient services for medical treatment and driving tests, to thoughtful support for daily travel, the comprehensive and refined foreign‑related services allowed her to devote herself whole‑heartedly to education and teaching.
Christine Anne Daphna said that more than a year after coming to Hainan, she has fully integrated into the local campus. Through mutual support and joint progress between Chinese and foreign teachers as well as the warm bond between teachers and students, she has truly experienced the inclusive and open urban character of the Free Trade Port.
Crystal Truter, South‑African Director of Primary English Teaching and Research, is deeply impressed by Hainan’s eco‑environment suitable for living and working, as well as its relaxed and warm‑hearted living atmosphere. She stated that Hainan’s sound natural ecology and comfortable pace of life create an ideal environment for children’s growth. “This is not merely a city for work and life, but a promising land where people can grow with peace of mind and pursue their dreams.” Her whole family has gained a strong sense of belonging and happiness here.
Dr. Angelo Maria Cimino, an Italian scholar at Hainan University, has long regarded Hainan as his second hometown. His second son was born and raised in Haikou. Specializing in the history of Nanyang migration, he acknowledged frankly that Hainan has possessed a cultural heritage of cross‑regional migration, openness and inclusiveness since ancient times. Such openness and inclusiveness enable foreign talents to integrate rapidly, put down roots and thrive.
Fu Jihu, a Singaporean expert, holds high expectations for Hainan’s development prospects. He pointed out that Hainan boasts ample space and enormous potential. Taking a long‑term vision and building momentum for development, the Free Trade Port merits sustained commitment and joint efforts from all partners.
Representatives from all sides discuss new pathways for talent development. Photo by Feng Xianhang
In recent years, Hainan has continuously improved full‑chain facilitative services for foreign talents, covering employment, schooling, medical care, transportation, consumption, investment and other areas. At present, 36 medical institutions across the province have opened international outpatient clinics to provide professional foreign‑related medical services. Cross‑border payments via more than 40 e‑wallets from 17 countries are supported across the whole island, steadily improving living convenience for foreign residents. Statistics show that foreign nationals’ satisfaction with the convenience of working and living in Hainan has increased by 14.06 percent compared with October 2025.
Customs Closure Marks a New Journey; Now Is the Time to Attract Talents and Pool Wisdom. As policy dividends of the Free Trade Port keep being unlocked and the foreign‑oriented service system continues to improve, Hainan is bringing together global talents with an open and inclusive mindset. A growing number of foreign talents choose to put down roots in Coconut City and pursue long‑term careers in the Free Trade Port. Through mutual commitment and shared growth, they are writing a brand‑new chapter of China‑foreign integration and dream‑chasing in Hainan.
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