Although swelling groups of migrant workers have flocked to cities for better incomes, only 20 percent of them think of staying in cities, according to a recent survey by the social sciences academy of north China's Shanxi Province.

 

A researcher of the academy said that the survey, having started from the end of last year, has covered 450 migrant workers from the mining, construction, catering and machinery industries.

 

Tan Kejian, the researcher in charge of the survey program, said that to his surprise, only 19 percent of the surveyed thought of staying in cities or strongly wished to become city residents.

 

About 15 percent planned to go back to their hometowns; 35 percent were satisfied with their present status of going between hometowns and cities; and about 30 percent didn't give any answer.

 

The survey also showed that longing for city life is the main reason for migrant workers to stay in cities.

 

Tan noted that age, gender, and job prospects will also influence the future options of migrant workers.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2006)