Taiwan residents no longer need a permit to work on the Chinese mainland, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council confirmed on Aug 8.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the office, said the decision was made based on a study by the office and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, drawing on suggestions and advice from Taiwan compatriots.

The policy aims to provide Taiwan people with treatment equal to that of their mainland compatriots in employment, studying and starting businesses, 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 permit to work on the mainland.

Business licenses, contracts, payroll and social insurance payment records can all serve as work permits for Taiwan compatriots working on the mainland, Ma said.

The human resources ministry will publish a series of supporting measures as soon as possible related to Taiwan residents working on the mainland, in accordance with instructions from the State Council, he said.

The mainland has long promoted exchanges and cooperation with the island. In February, 31 measures were rolled out to allow Taiwan residents to share in the opportunities brought by the mainland’s development.

The measures cover industry, finance and taxation, land use, employment, education, culture and healthcare. They include 12 that relate to equal treatment for Taiwan companies. For example, financial institutions in Taiwan can cooperate with mainland counterparts to provide small payment and credit services for Taiwan residents.

There are also 19 measures offering Taiwan people equal treatment with mainland residents in areas including education, setting up businesses and working on the mainland.

Limits on films and television programs, including annual quotas on TV content or the number of movies airing in cinemas, will also be eliminated.