Guangzhou labor and social security authorities are requiring employers to persuade no less than 50 percent of the 1 million migrant workers to stay in the city during the Spring Festival break.

The officials drew up a plan Saturday requiring all employers not to recruit new migrant workers within one month following the Spring Festival, which begins Jan. 22.

The plan aims to reduce the traffic flow, alleviate the pressure on railways and highways, and ensure a better social atmosphere during the festival break.

Of the 1.09 million migrant workers registered in Guangzhou by the end of September, it is estimated that 530,000 will return to their hometowns during the holidays. Of these, 380,000 are not Cantonese and mainly from Sichuan, Hunan, Guangxi, Jiangxi, and Hubei.

The plan also urged railway companies to help migrants book group tickets and employers to arrange activities for migrants who choose to stay. The labor authorities will organize a city-level gala for migrants and a one-day tour for 100 migrants.

(Shenzhen Daily December 30, 2003)