CCG book examines the role of China’s new State Immigration Administration

On June 9 in Beijing, the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) launched a new book examining China’s policy innovations in migration management. Titled State Immigration Administration: Building a competitive immigration system for China, the book was co-authored by CCG President Wang Huiyao and CCG Secretary-General Miao Lu and published by China Academy of Social Sciences Press.

Drawing on CCG’s extensive research in this field, the book provides a systematic analysis of the current situation and also a framework through which to understand immigration issues. The book aims to offer a reference for scholars and policymakers, particularly in relation to China’s new State Immigration Administration (SIA).

The book sets the context for the creation of China’s SIA. In recent years, countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of attracting top talent for national development. According to a new UN report, in 2015, 244 million people were living and working outside their native countries, around 3.3% of the world’s population. Flows of people have become an important component of globalization, a trend that is set to continue in future.

China has become an increasingly popular destination for foreign workers but faces increasing competition from other countries also vying for global talent. With growing need for effective management of migration, China officially joined the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2017 and in March 2018 confirmed the creation of the SIA as part of State Council reforms. The new SIA will consolidate existing responsibilities for immigration under one roof and facilitate improved coordination of related policies.

Section one of the book outlines the functions of the SIA and driving factors and trends for international migration. Section two gives an overview of immigration management in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, Singapore and Japan, drawing comparisons and highlighting lessons for China’s system. Section three elaborates on current trends, policy issues and the economic role of immigration in China, analyzing key challenges and solutions to overcome these issues regarding legislation, administrative innovations, and supporting policies.

Drawing on experiences from around the world, the book argues that the creation of the SIA will be beneficial in helping China to absorb best practices from overseas and improve the nation’s position in the international competition for talent.

CCG has been focused on research on global talent and migration since its founding ten years ago. Following the creation of the SIA, something that CCG has long called for, CCG will continue in-depth research to develop innovative policy recommendations to boost China’s competitiveness in attracting skilled talent. State Immigration Administration: Building a competitive immigration system for China is the latest in CCG’s series of publications in this field, which include the annual bluebook series Report on Chinese International Migration, the English book International Migration of China: Status, Policy and Social Responses to the Globalization of Migration; and the Chinese translation of World Migration Report 2015.