New regulations announced for mainland residence permits

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Over 500,000 people from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, who are now living in the Chinese mainland, will be able to get access to a range of same public services. This includes: housing, employment and social insurance, thanks to a new identity card that will be issued next month.

On Thursday, China’s State Council Information Office released a document at a press conference, saying the regulation that allows residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan to enjoy the same rights with Chinese mainland people will take effect since September 1.

“The policy will provide benefits for residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who are living in the mainland. The new ID card will be made by the same techniques with those of mainland people, which will ensure Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents to enjoy public service and convenience in the Chinese mainland,” according to Shi Jun, vice-minister of public security.

Currently, Chinese mainland citizens are using a kind of smart ID card with 18-digit code on it, which has become a necessity for them, since they use the card to register for almost every aspect in their daily lives, such as boarding transports and seeking for doctors.

Chinese mainland residence can use ID card to board train. / VCG Photo

Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents will also be able to have a 18-digit code card, starting with “810000” for Hong Kong, and “820000” for Macao. This code can be recognized by machines and systems in the Chinese mainland for them to enjoy public services.

Those who have been living, working and studying for more than six months in the Chinese mainland, and also have stable accommodation, job or study consecutively can apply for the permit from local public security authorities with a valid travel document, proof of residence, employment or school certificate.

The new ID cards can be issued with 20 working days.

Holders of the permit will be entitled to enjoy three rights, six public services and nine kinds of convenience like Chinese mainland residence.

The three rights include employment and the participation of housing fund and social insurance. Holders of permit will also be able to get access to six public services such as compulsory education (free education form primary to junior school), basic employment, basic medical care and legal aid from local governments.

Applying for driving license, registering vehicles, using public transports such as flights and trains, taking professional exams, as well as enjoying financial services will also be more convenient for permit holders.

Since the new permit is not a travel document but a certificate of living in the mainland, residents from Hong Kong and Macao still need their home return permit to cross the border.

Residents from Taiwan travel to the Chinese mainland /Photo via Chinanews

Also, applicants from Taiwan do not need to own mainland registration, a kind of permanent residency certificate, or give up their residency and welfare entitlements in Taiwan. The permit issued to residents from Taiwan is aiming at satisfying their needs to study, working and living in the mainland.