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Beijing and Shanghai are taking further steps to simplify the application procedure for exit and entry permits, including passport and travel permits to Hong Kong and Macao SARs. The two cities' relevant departments are ready for the new regulations to go into effect beginning Monday.

Under the new "On Demand" policy, starting from September 1st, most Beijing and Shanghai citizens can apply for exit and entry permits by just presenting their IDs and permanent residency cards. Only a few civil servants have to get approval from their human resources departments before applying.

Officials with the Beijing's exit-entry administration are advising citizens that they apply for the permits only when necessary, so as to avoid a sudden increase in applicants. However, the administration is installing new equipment and training more staffers to meet the potential surge.

Under the old system, each applicant had to present various papers, including a written approval from his or her employer and an official document confirming his intention to go abroad, or to the Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao regions.

Since China started to open to the outside world in the late 1970's, the country has been easing restrictions for its nationals to travel abroad. So far, the "On Demand" policy applies to residents in 25 major cities, and will be extended to 100 more -- to account for about one third of the country's major cities.