China to abolish temporary residence permit   

(ECNS) -- China is soon to abolish temporary residence permits and replace them with a new equivalent, according to newly passed public security measures.

Under the current policy, migrants are required to submit personal information such as current housing and employment details when applying for a residence permit.

Floating populations have to show their permits when applying for accommodation, jobs, or opening businesses. Those without urban hukou (household registration), do not enjoy equal access to public services in cities.

China has been reforming its residence permit system in order to ensure holders get benefits such as medical services and education for their children in the same fashion to urban dwellers.

The new system would simplify procedures and ensure public services are made available based on qualifications, including duration of residence.

Before the policy is introduced nationally, several cities in China have piloted programs to replace temporary residence permits with cards to entitle the floating population to the same rights and benefits as permanent residents.

The new policy also states that the approval of exit and entry applications would be delegated to public police departments at county level.

Efforts will also be made to streamline the Permanent Residence Visa issued to a foreign citizen residing in China permanently.