Migrant workers 'mail children' back

Migrant workers who can not take time off work to accompany their children back to their hometowns during the children's summer vacation, have been using a service known as "mailing children" home, the Workers Daily reported on Aug 16.

Instead of a child's half price bus fare, to mail a child home the ticket equals the price of an adult fare. Senders must complete an application form with the child receivers' names and telephone numbers. Drivers of the depot will accompany the "mailed" children, that must be between the height of 1.2m to 1.5m, they will be assisted by a minder for the whole duration of the journey, until they reach the destination of the receiver.

More than 10 children aged around the age of 8 have been sent back to their hometowns in this way, according to a person in charge at the Fujia Po bus terminal.

Airline and train systems have also provided this "mailing children" service since 2011.