China’s central government is canceling the mandatory hukou — or household registration — system for residents in cities with fewer than 3 million people, Xinhua News Agency reported Wednesday.

The move is in line with China’s ongoing efforts to alleviate its overcrowded cities. In April, the National Development and Reform Commission had announced plans to cancel the hukou policy for cities with populations between 1 million and 3 million.

There are an estimated 266 cities on the Chinese mainland with fewer than 3 million people, according to 2017 government figures. Apart from eliminating hukou requirements for these cities, the central government also plans to ease permanent residency requirements for large cities, according to Xinhua. (Image: VCG)