Migrant Welfare

The number of rural migrant workers in China hit 282 million at the end of 2016, an increase of 4.24 million from the previous year, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said on March 14.

Some 58 million are covered by pension insurance and 48 million by medical insurance. In addition, 46.6 million have access to unemployment insurance, and 75.1 million are protected by work injury insurance.

Vice Minister Qiu Xiaoping said the ministry will continue to help rural migrant workers settle in cities and start their own businesses. Efforts will be made to help them enjoy equal social welfare with urban residents.

Due to the household registration system that ties people’s access to social welfare to their residential status, in earlier times they did not enjoy the same healthcare, pension and other social benefits as city residents.

To bridge the gap, the government is gradually removing the distinction between urban and rural residents.