Jiangsu province's floating population will be able to enjoy the same public services as local residents starting at the beginning of next year, People's Daily reported.

After applying for a residence permit in the province, members of the floating population will be allowed to share 13 benefits which were previously only given to local residents, such as healthcare, housing and unemployment insurance.

The floating population of Jiangsu province, which mostly consists of migrant workers and their family members, stands at 17 million.