People with hukou (household registration certificate) obtained outside Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, will have to register with the city's migrant population management centers within three working days of their arrival.

In addition, landlords have to get basic information about their migrant tenants within 24 hours and forward it to the centers within three working days. However, people visiting Guangzhou for travel, business or medical reasons are exempt from the registration system.

The new regulation has sparked wide public debate. Those supporting it believe the registration will help collect accurate information on migrants to enable the government to manage the city's huge floating population, (a popular term for migrants living in an area without a local hukou) and formulate better public policy. But there are some who doubt its feasibility and effective implementation.

Pro

Chen Shaokang

Director of Guangdong Floating Population Service and Management Bureau

The registration system can help better serve migrant population. According to statistics, the number of migrants in Guangzhou has exceeded 7 million. But only 72 percent of them are registered; the remaining 28 percent are still missing from the government's records. The registration regulation has been enforced in order to find out the missing 28 percent. The rule does not apply to those on short trips – tourists, and those on business or medical visits – and those staying in hotels. The rule applies only to those not from the city and looking to reside there.

I hope people can understand the government's real intention. The registration is meant to collect accurate information on migrants to [help the government] better understand their basic needs and formulate better public policy. After we have the number of migrants, we will entrust a professional organization to conduct surveys on their basic needs in employment, housing, children's schooling, social security and so on. The government will analyze the registration information collected and the surveys conducted, and a special report will be written based on the findings. This report will provide references for making public policies concerning migrants in Guangzhou.

Con

Jingdai Tumi

www.forum.home.news.cn

The authorities should let all Chinese citizens travel and live where they choose across the country, instead of setting up such stupid limits. The new rules are too strict, trite and difficult to follow at a time when transportation is becoming more and more convenient. I think the registration causes people too much trouble. Although the regulation aims to strengthen the management of the floating population, if the procedure is too complicated it would become a burden and a waste of time.

I think we can do it in a more convenient way. For instance, we can set up machines at the entrance and exit of airports, ports, bus and train stations so that people can check in or check out with their valid IDs. This saves people's time and is a convenient way to keep migrants' records.  

Con

Shao Hailin

Legal Daily

The registration system means to better manage migrant population, but in the wrong way.

Managing migrants is an extensive, comprehensive and dynamic project. So it's unrealistic to try to manage them effectively by relying solely on the registration system. I think we should establish a coordination mechanism. Under the leadership of the government, relevant departments such as public security, human resources, social security and urban management should work together to resolve specific problems in this huge project of managing migrants.

A large number of migrants can bring complicated problems. I don't think they could be managed by the same mechanism. It's better to divide migrants into different categories and manage them accordingly.

Pro

Peng Peng

Researcher, Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences

From the perspective of administration, this regulation helps the government collect basic information on the floating population and strengthen its management. This can help maintain public security. Yet can this regulation be implemented effectively? I think related government departments should first answer the following questions: What is the punishment for violators? What's the legal basis of the punishment? Only after these questions are properly answered can the registration system be implemented.

Con

Wang Chengyan

www.news.sina.com.cn

I think the registration system is infeasible.

Guangzhou has a huge floating population. How to ensure that the registration can be done in three days? What if people don't register? These are questions that policymakers should consider when drafting the regulation. If a regulation cannot be implemented effectively, what's the meaning of drafting it in the first place?

I think the aim of "registration within three days of arrival" is to get accurate, timely information on migrants and maintain social security and stability. But in fact, the regulation lacks enforceability and reveals the cold and traditional way of the authorities' thinking, which can easily annoy people.

In fact, managing migrants should be more service-oriented. It's better to help solve migrants' practical problems, allowing them to settle down and live and work happily in Guangzhou. This is more effective than just implementing the registration regulation.

Pro

Zhu Lieyu

Director, Guangdong Guardian Law Firm

The registration system can help manage the huge floating population in Guangzhou, but should be implemented in a more flexible way.

To manage the floating population, the government should divide the work into different areas and put relevant departments in charge of different areas. For example, those who come to Guangzhou for tourism or on business trips should register with a valid ID when checking into hotels. This strengthens management in the tourism industry. Most newcomers to Guangzhou who plan to stay for a long time usually rent apartments. Therefore, the appropriate departments should work on registering this section. As many foreigners work and live in the city, there should be some difference when managing them.

Con

Yu Jianrong

Director of Social Issues Research Center, Rural Development Institute of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

I think this regulation doesn't have a legal basis and is outdated. According to the existing policies, one already needs to show a valid ID to stay in a hotel and buy train and air tickets. In the era of big data, if the government wants to manage the "floating population," it can check their information directly. I don't think it's necessary to register again.

Even with the floating population's registration, the departments may not achieve their purpose. First, the regulation increases administrative costs; second, it increases the burden on the floating population, especially for migrant workers. To manage the floating population better, the government should make the best use of modern technology and provide people-oriented service.