Platform eases path to social security benefits on mainland

After a successful trial that began in early November, an online platform was formally launched on Thursday in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, to allow more eligible Hong Kong and Macao residents to join the provincial social security system.

The platform, created by the Guangdong provincial human resources and social security authority, will provide comprehensive services that include inquiry handling, printing and qualification of plans for Hong Kong and Macao residents.

According to the authority, more than 3,000 people have benefited from the service since the platform began trial operations via mobile app and website.

As of the end of October, 270,000 Hong Kong and Macao residents have joined the Guangdong social security system, sources with the authority said.

"We will lunch more cross-border social security services between Guangdong and the two special administrative regions, to allow more Hong Kong and Macao residents to enjoy safeguards when they work or live in the Greater Bay Area," said Xia Qing, Party chief of the Guangdong social security fund management authority.

Since Jan 1 last year, residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who live, work or study on the mainland are eligible for social security benefits.