Residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have lived on the mainland for longer than six months will be able to apply for mainland residence cards, announced the State Council Information Office at a news conference on Aug 16. [Photo by Cao Yin/chinadaily.com.cn]

Starting Sept 1, residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan who have lived on the Chinese mainland for longer than six months can apply for a mainland residence card at 13 reception sites throughout Zhanjiang.

A total of 10 Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents living, working, or studying in Zhanjiang already filed the application this past weekend.

Those with mainland residence cards will receive roughly the same treatment as mainland residents in terms of employment, education, medical care, vehicle license applications, travel bookings, and hotel accommodations, among others.

The residence card, which works similar to the identification cards issued to mainland residents, can be read by electronic terminal devices at places such as banks, hotels, telecom offices, railway stations, and airports across the country.

The policy is aimed at providing more conveniences for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents that are living, working, or studying in the mainland. It is a significant move toward the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the country's overall development.

Applicants who have stable jobs and housing or are studying on the mainland can bring their mainland travel permits and other related materials to designated reception sites. They should receive a mainland residence permit within 20 working days.

The residence card will be valid for five years and can be renewed after it expires.

Public security authorities across the country begin accepting applications for mainland residence cards on Sept 1. [Photo by Chen Ji/Xinhua]