Population Flow in Tibet occurs Spontaneously

Because of the development of Tibet in all sides especially Tibet travel and the special plateau climate, the annual flow of migrant workers into Tibet occurs spontaneously, so that deterring it would cause social retrogression, according to experts on Tibetan studies.

Population Flow in Tibet occurs Spontaneously. A rumor is spreading around China that migrant workers have snatched jobs from local Tibetans in the western part of the country.

Li Jin, deputy director at the Institute of Nationality Studies in southwest China's Sichuan Province, says the unique natural geographical and cultural environments in Tibet are the reasons why migrant workers work there only during certain periods every year. This has easily created the misconception that many migrant workers flock to Tibet in uncontrolled droves.

"Because of Tibet's climate, the peak season for tourism is from May to November every year. The peak season with its crowds of tourists needs a lot of people to provide relevant services.

Therefore, many migrant workers go to Tibet during the peak season but return home in December. Actually, the number of Hans who are registered as permanent residents in Tibet is small."

Du Yongbin, a researcher at the Chinese Research Center for Tibetan Studies, says it is wrong to believe that migrant workers steal jobs from local Tibetans.
 

"It's very narrow-minded to say that. In that case, foreigners who work in China also seize jobs from the Chinese. The only way to stop it is to deter the population flow, and that would mean social retrogression."
 

Many Tibetans also go to work in inland provinces where they can make great personal achievements and contribute to the prosperity of the inland.
 

Du says the population flow is an irresistible trend of the times, which benefits communication between Tibetans and other nationalities.