Deadline set for hukou revisions

All provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China will issue plans for the reform of hukou, or household registration, system before the end of this year in a move to promote a reasonable flow of the country's rural population to urban areas and allow them to enjoy equal rights with city dwellers.

"Urbanization is a major topic for developing countries, and allowing more migrant workers to become urban residents is a core target for urbanization," Xu Shaoshi, chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a news conference hosted by the State Council Information Office.

With the cancellation of differences in household registration, Chinese migrant workers will "have access to more public services and enjoy equal rights, including education, career opportunities, medical care, pensions and housing with urban residents across the country", he said.