THE country will streamline procedures for applying for exit-entry permits for its citizens, according to the National Immigration Administration yesterday.

The permits refer to the documents allowing mainland residents to travel to and from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, it said.

Chinese citizens on the mainland, regardless of where they were born or live, will be able to apply for travel passes for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan at any immigration administration across the country starting April 1.

The introduced measure is to “offer convenience for the public and greatly improve our work efficiency,” according to a released statement at a news conference held by the administration yesterday.

Citizens no longer need to return to their birthplaces to apply for exit-entry permits. In the past, the residents on the Chinese mainland could only apply for permits in their household registration places with relevant documents, including identification card, hukou and application form.

With the rapid development of China’s economy and society, a growing number of people have been living, studying and working away from their hometown, and there has been a strong demand for them to apply for the passports or travel permits in different places.

The administration estimated that more than 21 million exit-entry permits will be issued to applicants outside their birthplaces in 2019, saving applicants more than 20 billion yuan (US$3 billion) in transportation fees.

(Xinhua)