Shao Yuqin, deputy director of the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the Xiamen Municipal Government (XMFOCA), visited Lin Puyu, an overseas Chinese elder who received treatment for a serious illness at Xiamen compassion nursing center on Feb 4.
Xiamen-born Lin Puyu migrated to Singapore in 1947 and had been teaching for more than 30 years at Chongfu Girls School - founded by Chen Jiageng, a well-known patriotic overseas Chinese leader.
Lin has donated more than one million yuan ($152,600) to schools, nursing homes, compassion foundations and elderly care foundations in Xiamen and Anxi of Fujian province since 1957. Her donations have helped more than 100 poverty-stricken students to receive an education and realize their dreams.
Since Lin didn't get married and spent all of her money on donations, she is now unable to afford the nursing fee. She was unable to apply for the relevant residence visa and passport in Singapore on time due to her physical condition. To make matters worse, the nursing home in Xiamen could not provide help since she is no longer a Chinese or Singapore citizen.
Lin's situation raised concerns among members of the community and the XMFOCA, Xiamen Exit Entry Administration Division, consulate general of Singapore in Xiamen and the government of Siming district provided assistance in solving Lin's passport and elderly care issues.
The admirable elder is 103 years old now. With her nursing and medical needs increasing, the office applied for the highest subsidy of 5,000 yuan for her. Many people have visited her and provided assistance to show their gratitude.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
