Beijing plans more inclusive residence permit system  

北京办居住证拟不设申办门槛

(ECNS) -- Beijing is planning to launch a new residence permit system for floating population and foreign residents by the end of this year, the Beijing News said on Thursday.

The information was released by Liu Tao, deputy director of Beijing Public Security Bureau Population Management Office at a conference on Wednesday.

"The permits will be granted to all members of the floating population without strict requirements," said Liu, adding that "it will help Beijing's security agency attract more applicants and better manage the population."

Similar to an identification card, the permit will store basic personal information of its holders. It may also contain a magnetic chip to make it more user-friendly and provide more public services.

Relevant departments are working on a penalty scheme for the new residence permit system, and those who refuse to apply for the permit will be punished, said Liu, adding that companies which refuse to apply for their employees will also be punished.

Liu said that relevant departments in Beijing were waiting for the results of surveys before making detailed policy changes.

Currently, those without a Beijing hukou or an official permanent residence permit, including expats, are required to apply for a temporary residence permit.