A new set of policies that simplify entry-exit and residence application procedures for Taiwan compatriots took effect yesterday.

The move is part of a series of goodwill measures that Beijing has pledged to expand cross-Straits exchanges.

The new measures mean Taiwan residents who stay in the mainland for more than a year can be issued residence stamps valid for one to five years.

Those who have the stamps do not need entry-exit stamps when passing through mainland customs, said Gao Huada, vice-director of the Division of Exit-Entry Administration under the Beijing Municipal Public Security.

"It means the previous two kinds of stamps for residence and entry-exit permits have now been integrated into one," Gao said.

For Taiwanese who stay less than a year, public security departments can grant multi-entry stamps valid for three months or one year according to their requirements.

Taiwan residents can get their entry-exit or residence stamps five workdays after they hand in the required application materials, including application forms, pass permits and residence registration papers, said Gao.

In Fujian Province, where many Taiwan residents live, public security authorities have already started to see applicants.

An official with the Exit and Entry Administration Department of Fuzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau, said the department accepted and handled at least 10 such cases yesterday.

"I think the simplified rules will make it easier and quicker to apply for permits," said Shi Jinwang, a Taiwan businessman.

Having lived in Fuzhou for 16 years, Shi said he has witnessed the government's continuous efforts to make Taiwan residents' trips to the mainland easier in recent years.

(China Daily July 26, 2005)