Home / Government / Opinion Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Read
ID Cards Need More Details
Adjust font size:

The residence registration system cannot be designed only to make it convenient for administrators, says an editorial in Beijing News. The following is an excerpt:

The temporary residence permit system and its varieties have been debated for quite a long time. After the Law of Administrative Permission was introduced in 2003, the temporary residence permit system was regarded illegal and cancelled in many cities. But it was maintained in some cities for the sake of public order.

Last December, Shanghai adopted a migrant population-oriented residence card system. Shenzhen is to launch a trial residence card system in Yantian District next month.

No person or organization has the right to restrict Chinese citizens' rights of freedom to reside in the territory of China. But with an administrative power that wants to make it convenient for management, citizens' rights are often infringed upon.

We can understand an urban management department's need for a temporary residence permit system. There has emerged a huge migrant population over the years, which has greatly challenged the traditional mode of social management based on work units and grassroots governments. Government departments, especially the public security department, were facing difficult social management tasks, hence the introduction of the temporary residence permit system.

But if such a system is only based on the whims of administrators, it is not rational or lawful.

First, if the temporary residence permit system is cancelled because it went against the Administrative Permit Law, the new residence card system is illegal too. Any identity restriction on the migrant population is illegal because it has the same effect as the temporary residence permit.

Second, the Law on Resident Identity Cards has a ruling on the use and examination of the card. Any citizen required to prove his or her identity when engaged in relevant activities, he or she shall have the right to use the resident identity card for the purpose. This shows that urban management departments should not require citizens to show other certificates.

It is undeniable that the lack of sufficient information on ID cards is a reason for the difficulties in migrant population management. Therefore, reform of the ID cards should be considered so that holders can live freely in all regions in the country and administrators can realize effective management.

(China Daily July 10, 2007)

Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Read

Related Stories
Questions and Answers More
Q: Where Can You Take An HIV Test in Guangzhou City?
A: There are three state-designated HIV testing centers in Guangzhou: Guangdong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, and Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Useful Info
- Who's Who in China's Leadership
- State Structure
- China's Political System
- China's Legislative System
- China's Judicial System
- Mapping out 11th Five-Year Guidelines
Links
- Chinese Embassies
- International Department, Central Committee of CPC
- State Organs Work Committee of CPC
- United Front Work Department, Central Committee of CPC
SiteMap | About Us | RSS | Newsletter | Feedback
SEARCH THIS SITE
Copyright © China.org.cn. All Rights Reserved     E-mail: webmaster@china.org.cn Tel: 86-10-88828000 京ICP证 040089号