Residence card to benefit HK, Macao and Taiwan residents

A Taiwan resident applies for a residence permit at a local public security bureau in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have lived on the Chinese mainland for longer than six months can now apply for new mainland residence permits in Hangzhou, according to the announcement by the State Council Information Office. 

The permit, which came into effect on Sept 1, is aimed at providing more convenience for those living, working and studying on the mainland.

According to the policy, applicants with stable jobs and accommodation or who are studying on the mainland can apply at local public security bureaus with their mainland travel permit cards and related materials, including details of their address and employment documents.

The beneficiaries will enjoy the same treatment as locals in multiple fields, including employment, social insurance, medical care, education, legal aid, banking and financial services, vehicle license applications, travel ticket booking and hotel accommodation.

Lin Jiayan, vice-president of the Hangzhou Association of Taiwan Compatriots Investment Enterprises, welcomed the new policy.

"Though a series of policies benefiting Taiwan people have been continuously rolled out over the years, there are still problems in bank transfer, shopping and transportation, which are all solved with the new residence permits," Lin said, who has been living in the city for 20 years.

To date, a total of 322 offices have been set up in Hangzhou to make it easier for eligible individuals to apply for the new permit. The applicants can receive the mainland residence permits within 20 working days.

Working staff at a local public security bureau welcomes a Taiwan resident in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Chinanews.com]