港澳台居民内地居住证(gǎngàotái jūmín nèidì jūzhùzhèng): Mainland residence card for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents

Vice-Minister of Public Security Shi Jun said at a State Council Information Office news conference on Thursday that Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who have lived in the Chinese mainland for more than six months are 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.

The policy, which aims to provide more convenience for the residents of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan who are living, working and studying in the mainland, will take effect on Sept 1. It is regarded as an important measure to promote the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the country's overall development. According to the ministry, qualified applicants will receive the mainland residence permit in about 20 working days.

The residence card can be read by electronic readers as personal identification certification, which will provide convenience for holders when taking flights or making train journeys, booking hotel accommodation and dealing with financial transactions.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents that successfully apply for this residence card can enjoy equal public services, including social insurance, employment and medical treatment, as mainland residents.