China is actively working to foster a better environment for domestic migrant workers, with a focus on promoting their integration into urban development and ensuring they benefit from common prosperity. Recent guidelines issued by ten central governmental departments, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, underscore the need for local governments to bolster support for migrant workers in areas like job creation, entrepreneurship, skill development, and the protection of their rights and family growth.

According to statistics from the human resources ministry, the country has approximately 298 million migrant workers as of 2023, with 177 million of them working outside their hometowns. However, these individuals face significant challenges, such as an aging workforce, stagnant population growth, and insufficient protections regarding their social insurance and salaries. In response, the ministry emphasizes the necessity of stronger policies and effective measures to address these issues.

The new guidelines mandate that local governments create more job opportunities in industries such as healthcare and domestic services while also establishing human resource services in rural communities to help residents access job information. Additionally, local authorities are tasked with forming entrepreneurial zones to encourage migrant workers to return to their home regions and start businesses, supported by financial aid, low-interest loans, and tax incentives.

Moreover, the guidelines advocate for organized skills training programs across various industries, including construction and logistics, as well as flexible employment options for job seekers. Young people from rural backgrounds are encouraged to pursue education at vocational schools and engage with companies for skill enhancement.

To safeguard workers' rights, the guidelines stipulate that employers must formalize labor contracts that outline the workers' entitlements. Measures against payment delays will be enforced, and legal assistance will be available to workers facing payment disputes or unsafe working conditions. The guidelines also detail approaches for addressing housing, educational challenges, and the overall well-being of migrant workers. Local authorities are encouraged to simplify the process for transferring migrant workers' children to urban public schools and to offer financial support for these students.

In urban areas with significant migrant populations, authorities are urged to provide affordable housing options near workplaces to enhance living conditions. Over recent years, the government has intensified efforts to protect migrant workers' rights, successfully resolving issues like payment arrears and improving social insurance frameworks. Notably, in Anshan, Liaoning province, local authorities managed to recover 11.72 million yuan (approximately $1.6 million) in unpaid wages for migrant workers during a recent five-month period.