Population control mooted in Beijing

BEIJING - In a move to reduce a burgeoning population, the Beijing People's Congress has advocated a restriction of low-wage workers in the capital through closures of small businesses.

The report, released by the municipal legislature during its recent session that ended on July 30, recommended population control measures be part of the city's 2011-15 development plan, whereby the adjustment of industries be accompanied by the introduction of more skilled workers during a reduction in the overall demand for laborers.

Beijing's population reached 19.72 million by the end of 2009. Among this figure, 7.26 million people were migrant workers who had been living in the city for more than half a year, official figures show.