Xinhua reported that Beijing will implement a Residential Permit System this year in order to systematically regulate the (booming) population. It was reported that the public security bureau is conducting research on all residents currently residing in Beijing and plans to use the data as the foundation for the Residential Permit System.
Source: Xinhua, April 13, 2013
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2013-04/13/c_115372583_2.htm