SHENZHEN: The government of Zhuhai, a coastal city in Guangdong province, last week suspended its application process for permanent residency, local media have reported.

The new policy will affect all applicants, including people buying properties in Zhuhai and new graduates who have secured employment with local firms, who applied since last Wednesday, the population registration department of the Zhuhai public security bureau confirmed.

"We have received official notification from the municipal government and there is no timetable for resumption," an official with the department was quoted by the Guangzhou-based Southern Metropolis Daily as saying.