Chinese migrants seek more stability in new homes

The new generation of migrant workers is younger, moving farther from home and craves a more stable life in the big cities, a national health commission report has found.

They are also more likely to move to cities as a family, are more politically aware, but also feel alienated and, in some cases, resentful towards local residents who are entitled to more social welfare and rights under the household registration, or hukou, system.

The "Development Report on China's Migrant Population 2013" released yesterday said the changing demographics and social and political demands of younger migrants required public policies that allowed them to enjoy the fruits of urban development and more equal opportunity for future growth.

The country's migrant population numbered 236 million last year, meaning that one-sixth of the total population had moved from their permanent registered homes to work or study elsewhere.

The average age of this "new generation", as the report calls them, is 28. More than half of them were born after 1980, and three-quarters left home before they were 20.

"They do not simply leave their hometowns to make money. They are seeking development in multiple ways," said Wang Qian, director of the floating population division of the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

"The new generation of migrant workers seeks more from urban life and their awareness of political participation is increasing. In summary, they have a stronger wish to be assimilated into the cities."