Africans face integration challenges in Guangzhou

Some Africans dream of becoming football players for China's national team.(Photo/ Reference News)

(ECNS) -- Africans face a range of challenges when trying to integrate into local life in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong province, the Hong Kong-based Oriental Daily reports.

Amid China's economic boom, thousands of African businesspeople have migrated to Guangzhou, creating African communities in the city's Yuexiu and Baiyun districts.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 Africans live and work in the important transportation hub and trading port, and that about 200 mixed-race babies are born there each year.

However, Africans face difficulties obtaining visas, residencies and health insurance. In recent years, the city has intensified campaigns against illegal entry, illegal residence and illegal employment of foreigners, and there has been a reduced influx of immigrants to Guangzhou this year.

In Tianxiu Mansion, a landmark building in Yuexiu, many African businesspeople speak perfect Cantonese or Mandarin. Some wish to take up Chinese citizenship, and some dream of becoming football players for China's national team.

Chinese Internet users, faced with the national team's disappointing performance, welcome Africans on the football pitch, the newspaper added.