Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who have lived on the Chinese mainland for more than six months will from Sept 1 be eligible to apply for a mainland residence card so long as they satisfy certain conditions such as being legally employed and having a stable residence, Shi Jun, Vice Minister of Public Security, announced at a news conference on Aug 16.

The policy is aimed at enabling Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who are living, working and studying on the mainland to enjoy equal treatment as residents from the Chinese mainland.

The residence card can personally identify holders by means of electronic readers, which will provide convenience for holders when taking flights or making train journeys, booking hotel accommodation and dealing with financial transactions.

Those who satisfy the conditions can present their valid Mainland Travel Permit to apply for the residence card at local public security departments, and they will receive the card in 20 working days.

Residents who get the residence card can enjoy equal treatment in employment, social insurance, housing funds, and six public services involving school admission, medical treatment, and legal assistance, among other things.

Shi Jun, Vice Minister of Public Security, announces on Aug 16 that a new residence card will be granted to enable Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who are living, working and studying on the mainland to enjoy equal treatment as the mainland residents. [Photo/sh-italent.cn]