China's Ministry of Labor and Social Security has required all
employees, especially rural migrant workers, to register their
employment contracts with labor and social security departments
above county level starting from this year.
It is estimated that 45 million rural laborers will migrate to
urban districts from 2006 to 2010. Many are not guaranteed basic
social insurance for unemployment, old age and health.
The move is intended to prevent illegal employment and better
protect the legitimate interests of employees.
By the end of 2008, a registry system covering provinces, cities
and counties would be established while a job database would be
built to facilitate labor information exchange, said a statement
from the ministry.
The notice required employers to register all their employment
contracts with local authorities.
"The registration must be completed within 30 days from the date
that labor contracts are signed or renewed. If contracts are
terminated or removed, registration must be done within seven
days," it said.
Employers who fail to register or who file false information
will face prosecution, the notice warned.
(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2007)