The development of the legal framework for China’s migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s

Peter Kobets

VAK Russia

5.1.2

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR CHINA’S MIGRATION POLICY FROM THE LATE 1970S TO THE EARLY 2020S The development of the legal framework for China’s migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s

АА Аа

Published in Vestnik of the St. Petersburg University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia · Pages 66–76 · Rubric: PUBLIC LAW (STATE LAW) SCIENCES

Received: 01.09.2025 Accepted: 25.06.2026 Published: 30.06.2026 Language of publication: RUS

Authors

Peter Kobets

ORCID

Peter Kobets

Academic degree: doctor of jurisprudence sciences

Science rang: professor

Russian Federation

ORCID

ABSTRACT

Introduction. The development of the legal framework governing migration has led the authorities of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to take the most vigorous measures to combat illegal migration, suppressing any attempts by undesirable categories of migrants to enter the country without authorisation. The aim of this study is to analyse the genesis and evolution of the legal framework of Chinese migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s. Methods. The author used historical-legal and comparative-legal methods in the preparation of this article. The author also employed content analysis of documents and the method of legal modelling, as well as general scientific methods such as generalisation, systems analysis and modelling. Furthermore, previously published academic works on the subject under investigation were examined in detail. Results. The policy decisions of the late 1970s, which contributed to the PRC’s opening up to the outside world, expanded business ties with foreign partners, which in turn had a positive impact on the migration processes under analysis. The transformations that took place created a need to attract new investment and foreign talent, thereby prompting a significant overhaul of the country’s existing migration rules and policies. During the period under review, Chinese legislators amended a number of provisions that had previously restricted the presence of qualified foreign personnel within the PRC. The country’s new migration policy, with its revised restrictions on freedom of movement, has been accompanied by the development of free-market relations, which have had a positive impact on the growth of Chinese citizens’ prosperity. Thanks to carefully calibrated migration legislation, migration processes have become a powerful demographic and economic driver, contributing to the country’s development. In this regard, the origins of the legislative framework governing China’s migration processes remain relevant when assessing the conditions and selecting the means to improve domestic migration policy.

KEYWORDS

migration legislation, Chinese migration policy, systemic analysis of law, migration processes in the PRC, legislative framework, legal reform in China, openness to migration, freedom of movement, entry rules, visa regime

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GOST

Kobets P. N. The development of the legal framework for China’s migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s // . 2025. pp. 66-76. (Date of access 19.08.2026).

MLA

Peter Kobets. "The development of the legal framework for China’s migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s." (2025): 66-76.

APA

Kobets P. N. (2025). The development of the legal framework for China’s migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s. , 66-76.

Chicago

Peter Kobets. "The development of the legal framework for China’s migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s." , no. (2025): 66-76.

WIKI

{{cite journal | author = Kobets P. N. | title = The development of the legal framework for China’s migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s | journal = | year = 2025 | pages = 66-76 }}

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR CHINA’S MIGRATION POLICY FROM THE LATE 1970S TO THE EARLY 2020S The development of the legal framework for China’s migration policy from the late 1970s to the early 2020s

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