'It is a good sign that the municipal government plans to address Olympic-related issues through legislation and releases the information to the public, which is in line with the central government's efforts to promote the principle of rule by law,' he said.

But he called the reported plan to expel millions of migrant workers from the city discriminatory and 'in violation of the constitution', saying it would be a grave mistake to do so in the name of public order.

'It obviously runs counter to the nation's laws and the spirit of rule by law.

'Why should migrant workers, who have made great contributions to the city's prosperity through their hard labour, be forced to leave when the city celebrates the opening of the Olympics?' Professor Jiang said.

Beijing has an estimated 4 million migrants, mostly from rural areas, and at least a quarter of them are believed to be construction workers, Xinhua said yesterday.

Beijing authorities had announced that all construction work would be halted from next year to leave the city free from construction-related pollution and ease rising concerns over the city's poor air quality.

According to local newspapers, other migrants, such as those in 'low-end jobs' - for example hairdressing, which is often a front for prostitution, and scrap collection - beggars and the homeless, will be either forced out or forced to stay in temporary camps.

The city's mental patients would be admitted to hospitals during the Games under the proposed legislation. The authorities also proposed a temporary ban on vehicles from outside the city during the 16-day Summer Olympics and traffic restrictions on local cars in a bid to alleviate traffic jams.

Vehicles would only be allowed on the street on alternate days, depending on licence plate numbers. Major industrial polluters in the city would be ordered to stop production for the duration of the Games because 'many of the city's air quality indices still lag far behind the Olympic requirements', the Beijing Morning Post said.

Beijing is also considering easing strict restrictions on the operation of overseas media during the Olympics, as part of the face-saving efforts.

Now that the proposed measures have been partly made public, Professor Jiang said it was a good opportunity for the government to involve experts and the public, including the city's migrants, in the decision-making process.

NEW PLAYING FIELD?

Proposed for Olympics

Mental patients forced into hospitals

Major industrial polluters to stop production to improve air quality

Special entry and exit checs during Games

Special customs arrangements for Olympic goods

Relaxed rules controlling foriegn journalists and foreign correspondents

Games-related gambling prohibited; existing laws to apply

Temporary places of worship for foreigners established

Source: Beijing News