China becomes fourth largest source of migrants

(People's Daily Online) (ANSA) - Beijing, June 17 - With the rapid rise of the Chinese economy, buying overseas properties and investment migration have become the latest investment ideas for Chinese. According to a survey, among overseas investment projects buying property accounts for more than 40 percent, ranking first. Resettlement, improving the conditions of children's education, investment, and going on a holiday are the main purposes of overseas investment, while quality of education, environmental pollution and food security are the main drivers behind emigration. As of 2013, China has become the world's fourth largest source of migrants with 9.3 million emigrants. The United States, Canada and Australia are the three preferred destinations for Chinese people. But the latest trend shows that Europe is gradually become a new favorite.
    According to "World Migration Report" released by the United Nations in 2013, the world's migrant population reached 232 million, accounting for 4.2 percent of the total population. In 1990 China's emigration reached 4.1 million, ranking seventh in the world; by 2013 the figure had risen to 9.3 million, behind only India, Mexico and Russia.