The reformed residence registration system for non-locals can bring more harmony to the city, though it still cannot solve all the problems, says an article in People's Daily. The following is an excerpt:

Two latest news stories are meaningful: one is about Shenzhen, which will fully adopt the residence registration system for non-locals aged between 16 and 60 living there for more than 30 days; the other is about Shanghai, which shows signs of loosening its strict hukou system, or household registration system. Talented non-locals relocating to Shanghai will be given priority in solving their hukou problem.

Undoubtedly, the residence registration system is a more advanced and more civilized management system than the former temporary residence permit system, which clearly distinguishes the "locals" from the "non-locals" and reinforces the biases against the "non-locals". The reform now shows its recognition of and respect to the non-locals.

But it is noted that the residence registration is just part of the identity recognition and certificate holders can only enjoy part of the benefits that locals are endowed with such as career services and free vaccination for children. The critical part of the hukou system such as healthcare, retirement and unemployment insurance is not included in the residence registration system yet. That means the two still have great differences.

We have to see that the current household registration system has complicated reasons for its formation. Although the negative side of hukou keeps popping up with the fast social and economic growth, it is still impossible to carry out a revolutionary reform of hukou. When China has no nationwide social security system, the residence registration is barely able to have the critical functions of hukou.

Currently we would rather change our thinking mode than hope the residence registration to have more functions. What do non-locals really need in the city? Take farmer-turned-workers in the city for example. They wish to sign formal labor contracts with employers, receive salaries on time, win compensations when work-related accidents take place and easily provide for the schooling of their children in the city.

As for migrant workers and non-local business people, what they care about most is whether they can stop being deemed as aliens and obsessed with prejudices, whether they can win more recognition and tolerance and whether they can work and live in the city with a better feeling when the residence registration system is adopted.

We hope this new system can make people in the city, either locals or non-locals, live in harmony.

(China Daily July 7, 2008)