Xiamen reaches out to migrant workers

Xiamen, a picturesque coastal city in Fujian province, is extending a helpful hand to migrant workers as the city's federation of trade unions launches a series of charitable activities.

The civilian labor force in Xiamen is about 3.73 million, and more there 1.76 million are migrant workers.

“Migrant workers are a valued part of the labor force and they contributed to building the beautiful city, they deserve respect and Xiamen should serve as their second hometown,” said Yang Zhonghua, vice-chairman of the federation of trade unions.

Since 2006, the federation has staged a variety of activities and services such as matchmaking events, group wedding and free physiological aid for migrant workers.

“Migrant workers are often faced with an unfamiliar environment and people, most will experience stress, anxiety and other psychological pressures, and these measure will help them adapt to life in Xiamen,” Yang said.

More than 300 matchmaking events have been held over the years and 528 migrant couples have tied the knot.

Zhang Qiming and Du Weiqing, both migrant workers who met at a matchmaking event, now have a four-year-old daughter.

“I used to feel alone but now I enjoy the happiness of a family, and we consider Xiamen our new home,” Zhang said.