China to introduce residence permits for Hongkongers living in the mainland

A picture from the super fun-looking State Council press conference today (via screen grab from SCIO)
A picture from the super fun-looking State Council press conference today (via screen grab from SCIO)

Accessing public services for Hongkongers living in the mainland is about to get easier.

Today, the State Council announced that, starting from next month, it would introduce a new residence permit for people from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

The permit will give holders access to social security, employment, education, legal aid, and some medical services, according to Vice-minister of Public Security Shi Jun, who gave a press conference today.

Other conveniences covered by the permit include vehicle registration, applying for a driving license, staying at hotels only allowed to serve mainlanders, booking domestic flights and trains, and access to various financial services.

It’s available to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan residents who have been living, working or studying in the mainland for six months.

They must submit a valid travel document, with proof of residence and employment, or schooling and can expect to get the card within 20 working days.

Huang Liuquan, deputy head of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said the new permit could not be used as a travel document.

In a statement, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who was Beijing for meetings on plans for the Greater Bay Area, welcomed the new residence regulations for Hongkongers.

More than half a million Hong Kong people live in Guangdong province alone, and more than 15,000 Hong Kong students are studying across the mainland, according to RTHK.



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