And great news for migrants in Beijing, as the capital issues its first batch of residence permits. This is in line with a new residence permit policy that the Beijing government released earlier in October. Under the new guidelines, these permits will allow migrant workers in the city to claim residency through a point acquisition system.

Points are based on educational background, employment, and property ownership. Right now, a government system of household registration determines where citizens are allowed to live, and have access to local education and other social benefits.  As of last Thursday, the capital received a total of 61,000 applications and approved 29,000.