In 1 November 2004 correspondence, the communications director of Human Rights in China in New York and a professor of geography at the University of Washington, whose area of specialization includes the hukou system in China, stated that it was necessary to obtain a temporary resident permit when moving within the province of Fujian.

The professor added that while he did not have specific information on the hukou system in Fujian, it was obligatory for most people in China to obtain a temporary resident permit if they were residing in a place other than their place of permanent hukou registration for a period extending anywhere from three days to one month depending on the location (1 Nov. 2004). The professor further stated that at least 30 per cent of migrants moving around China do not obtain a temporary permit because they are either unaware of such policies, are unwilling to pay the fees associated with it or want to remain underground (ibid.). According to the professor, without a permit, the person in question is vulnerable to periodic government "crackdown campaigns," can have difficulty finding official renting accommodation or employment (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Human Rights in China, New York. 1 November 2004. Correspondence from the communications director.

Professor of geography, University of Washington, Seattle. 1 November 2004. Correspondence sent to the Research Directorate.

Attempts to obtain information from another academic were unsuccessful within the time constraints of this Response.

Internet sites, including: Asia Times, BBC, China Internet Information Centre, Dialog, Human Rights in China, Human Rights Watch, Immigration Australia, People's Daily Online, REFWORLD, Tapei Times, US Department of State.