Society

Migrants may get permanent residency

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-01-09 08:51

SHANGHAI: After sweeping streets for 17 years in the country's biggest city, Cai Chuanxiu finally got a big surprise that will change her life.

Two laborers work on a construction site in Shanghai on Dec 8 last year.

[China Daily]

The 38-year-old cleaner employed by Shanghai Rixu Cleaning Services Company, told China Daily on Friday that she was sweeping the streets one day last month in Xujiahui, a busy commercial district, when she was ordered to report back to the company immediately.

"I didn't know what to expect until my boss told me that I have been selected for the permanent resident program," Cai said. "It was such a big surprise."

Since then, "I have been having many sweet dreams in my sleep," she said.

Cai, from neighboring Anhui province, was among a group of 43 migrant workers being considered for permanent residence, or hukou.

Shanghai government officials said they are reviewing the applications of 186 migrant workers for resident status.

Besides the 43, the other individuals will be given temporary status. The names of these applicants have been published on the website of the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau for public notice.

This is the second time the Shanghai government opened the door to selected migrant workers who are deemed to have made considerable contributions to the development of the city. The assessment of their applications will take about a week, according to officials at the Shanghai Immigrant Worker Management Office.

Those winning for temporary residence can change to permanent status after seven years. During the interim, they must continue to participate as members of the Shanghai social security system.

The trade union head of Cai Chuanxiu's company said that Cai has been a model worker in the company for 17 years.

"We recommended Cai because of her loyalty to the company," Shanghai Rixu Trade Union president surnamed Ding told China Daily on Friday.

The company was given a quota of one applicant last September.

Cai has an elder brother who is working at the same company. Her elder sister, who used to work there as well, has quit and returned home.

Tang Dong, another candidate for permanent residence, has been working at Shanghai Jiuhuan Construction Company since 1991. He came to Shanghai in 1989 and has been working in construction industry for almost 20 years.

"I didn't expect I'd be qualified for such an honor, since I am such a small potato," Tang said. "I hadn't thought of it even for a moment."

His wife and children are living apart from him in Yancheng, Jiangsu province. They have been living separately for 20 years.

"For 20 years, I worked seriously and cautiously to do my best," he said.

He once won second prize in Shanghai's plastering skill competition.

"Life won't change much even if I receive my permanent residence because I still have to work hard to make a living," Tang said. But "Shanghai will certainly be more like a home to me," he said. "I'm so proud of being a resident of this city, and I will continue to contribute to its development," he added.

A spokesman for the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau told China Daily on Friday that it may publish more details of the selection, which may include the Shanghai government's plan for the migrant worker residence program in future.