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 12, 2007)