New Shenzhen residence permit cards for migrants will be introduced on a trial basis in Yantian District starting May before the cards are put into use citywide in the fourth quarter, Thursday's Daily Sunshine reported.

The city has finished designing the new card and arranged for it to be connected with various government networks, the report said.

With the introduction of the card system, the government aims to establish a comprehensive demographic data network which will be connected to the networks of various government departments and organizations for the purpose of improving population management, said officials with a city office that coordinates efforts to fight crime.

Shenzheners can use the residence permit card in matters related to social security, family planning, education and financial services. Public service providers and commercial organizations are also encouraged to use the cards.

The cards are of two categories: long-term and short-term.

Once the holder of a long-term residence permit card leaves Shenzhen, their card becomes inactive and will only be activated after the cardholder comes back to Shenzhen.

Editor: Yan