The reform of the residence registration system should keep moving ahead, says a signed article in Beijing Youth Daily. An excerpt follows:

Beijing recently adjusted its restrictions on hukou, or permanent residence registration.

The qualification for registration was lowered and registration procedures were simplified.

Now a minor with one parent being a permanent resident can qualify for permanent residence. Also, the new rule simplifies application and approval procedures. The time period for a resident to obtain a new identification card is shortened from 20 to 15 working days.

But we should also realize that the reform of Beijing's residence registration system has been a bit slow in recent years.

The current registration system has impeded the free flow of population from rural to urban areas. The system should be completely reformed to protect citizens' basic rights. A consensus has been reached on this. The only remaining issue is the speed of reform.

The speed should fit a city's development, including the capacity of the city's transport, school system, labor market and public security.

Reformers should not be affected by conservative vested interest groups but see the significance and ethical value of free flow of population. They should see the potential business opportunities, as well as the potential for cities to digest the population impact with their own development.

(China Daily April 25, 2007)