Fujian's department of labour and social security recently issued a circular announcing that Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan personnel working in the province will be eligible to enrol in its basic medical insurance programmes.

According to the circular, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan personnel may enrol with local medical insurance agencies on the principle of voluntary participation by presenting valid travel passes, the number of which will be used as the identification number of their medicare cards.

The circular stipulates that Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan personnel who have labour relations with employing units or engage in individually-owned businesses in Fujian may enrol in basic insurance programmes for urban workers. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan personnel residing but not working in Fujian (for over one year) may enrol in basic medical insurance programmes for urban residents.

When the insured Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan personnel terminate their labour relations with their employing units, complete the cancellation of their employment registration and leave the mainland, their enrolment in the medical insurance programme will also be terminated and the balance of their personal accounts with the programme will be returned to them, said the provincial department of labour and social security.