Residents of the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao will be able to renew or replace their mainland travel permit in the Chinese mainland from October 10, China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) said on Monday, adding that the application procedure will be the same as in Hong Kong and Macao. 

The NIA said the policy adjustment is to help solve the travel problems of Hong Kong and Macao residents as well as respond to their demands for exit and entry. 

The new policy will benefit a vast number of residents from the two regions, saving their time and costs as well as reducing economic expenditure.

The NIA noted that Hong Kong and Macao residents who apply for re-issuance of a mainland travel permit can save about 180 million yuan (26.4 million U.S. dollars) combined every year in transportation expenses alone.

(Photo taken on August 11, 2020 shows a view of downtown Shanghai, China. /CFP)