The following excerpts are from a recent interview between Lai Chen, a vocational school graduate in Shenzhen, Wu Yihuan, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the vice mayor of Shenzhen, and Cai Jiming, a deputy to the 13th National People’s Congress and professor with Tsinghua University.

Lai: An important reason that many of my classmates choose to attend a vocational college in Shenzhen is because they can obtain a hukou of the city [household registration]. However, they also wonder whether the policy will change in the future.

Wu: We might adjust the policy according to practical conditions. But the main direction will remain unchanged. The city needs various kinds of talents at various levels. By optimizing the city’s demographic structure, we aim to let the city’s development benefit more citizens. As long as you have a stable job and residency, we will provide you with equitable basic public services.

Cai: Shenzhen has more than 10 million permanent residents, among which about half have the city hukou. So, what’s the different between having and not having it?

Wu: Basic public services cover all permanent residents in Shenzhen. There exists some policy-based welfare for hukou holders. Certainly, you need to think what you can do for the city before asking what the city can do for you. The city is inclusive and it welcomes talents from all around the world to realize their dreams.

Cai: The city still needs to increase its input in public health, education and government subsidized housing to further improve its public services so that the people can enjoy tangible benefits of the city’s development.

Wu: Even if you rent a house in Shenzhen, as long as your mark in the government’s scoring system is high enough, your children can secure seats in nearby public schools. Also, if your score is high enough, you can directly apply for the Shenzhen hukou.

Cai: with the further reform, the provision of public services will be equal among the hukou holders and those without it, the problems will be resolved.