Fujian province plans to go ahead with reforms of the permanent residency permit, or hukou, across the province by easing some rules, Xinhua has reported.

It explains that anyone who has a domicile and a work contract or business license can qualify for a hukou in all of the big cities but Fuzhou, Xiamen and Pingtan. In those three, authorities will implement a “point system” that requires immigrants to earn enough points in various aspects before getting a hukou, according to a provincial government directive of Feb 26.

The hukou criteria in those three areas will be a stable job and living place, a fixed number of years of social insurance and continued residence, said authorities, adding that the specific policies are expected to come out by June 30.

Residents in smaller cities only need a fixed residence, either purchased or rented, according to the directive. A hukou holder is also allowed to apply for hukous for his spouse and other dependants.

And, a rural-resident-turned urban hukou holder can still keep his land rights in rural areas and be guaranteed the same benefits and rights as urbanites in all sectors, including education and healthcare.