Taiwan people no longer need work permits to work in mainland: spokesperson

BEIJING - Taiwan people who work on the Chinese mainland no longer need a work permit, a mainland spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.

According to Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the decision was made based on a study by the office and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), and the suggestions and advice of Taiwan compatriots.

It aims to provide Taiwan people with treatment equal to that of their mainland compatriots in studying, starting businesses, employment and livelihood, he said.

The decision is part of a State Council decision made public on Aug 3, which also eliminated the requirement for Hong Kong and Macao citizens to acquire a work permit to work in the mainland.

Business licenses, contracts, payrolls and social insurance payment records can all serve as work permits for Taiwan compatriots working in the mainland, Ma continued.

MOHRSS will publish a series of supporting measures as soon as possible for Taiwanese citizens to work in the mainland, in accordance with the instructions of the State Council, he said.