The severity of fines for migrant people who violate the state family planning policy by having extra children will be based on the standard of their hometown instead of their current residence, according to a draft published yesterday.

The family planning draft for migrant people has been issued to solicit public opinion.

Family planning authorities have the right to collect fees, but should base their decision on an offender's income, said the draft issued by the Legal Affairs Office of the State Council, China's Cabinet.

Local governments should not force married female migrants at child-bearing age to return to their hometowns for pregnancy tests.

And local officials will be punished if they force migrant workers to return for pregnancy tests, under the proposal.

(Shanghai Daily June 17, 2008)