Since introducing weekend appointment services in May, the government service center of Rudong county, Nantong, Jiangsu province, has completed more than 400 transactions outside regular working hours.

The initiative covers multiple departments, including public security, entry and exit services, business licensing and real estate registration, as well as tackles a hurdle that has long frustrated residents and business owners: the inability to get things done during regular weekday hours.

The public security window was the first to offer such services. One early case involved a resident living outside Rudong who needed security-related certifications. Through a phone appointment, he completed the procedure on a Saturday without returning home during work hours.

The entry and exit window offers weekend appointment services. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

During the summer travel season, the entry and exit service window saw a surge in passport and visa applications. To accommodate working individuals and students, the department launched two full-day weekend sessions with no appointment required on June 13 and July 4.

Self-service equipment was available for photo-taking, form-filling, fee payment and visa endorsement, while streamlined procedures helped reduce waiting times. Over 100 passport and travel permit applications were processed.

The business licensing section has extended weekend appointments to food business operators. Staff provide on-site guidance on regulatory compliance and layout requirements, and they also arrange weekend inspections of recently completed renovations, significantly reducing the time required to obtain certification.

The real estate registration center has also followed suit with its own weekend appointment system, handling a range of cases from property transfers for homebuyers to title information inquiries for companies. Staff coordinate with the tax department in advance and prepare all materials to ensure smooth processing.

The service center plans to continue refining its weekend and extended-hours service mechanisms, with an eye toward maintaining year-round, responsive public services that meet public needs.