Beijing Implements Simplified Marriage Registration to Encourage Marriages
China has announced measures to simplify marriage registration and ease financial burdens to encourage couples to wed and increase birth rates. Reforms allow registration at local residences, thus removing previous travel hardships. The government also plans to combat high bride prices and wedding expenses, addressing key deterrents to marriage and childbearing.
On Saturday, the Chinese government announced new measures to simplify the marriage registration process, aiming to reduce financial burdens on couples and promote an increase in births. This initiative reflects Beijing’s ongoing efforts to encourage marriage and address the declining birthrate in the country, which has been exacerbated by economic uncertainty and societal norms that stigmatize non-marital childbearing.
The updated policy allows individuals to register for marriage in their current place of residence rather than traveling to their registered hometowns. This reform particularly benefits younger generations who often live and work away from their hometowns, reducing prior travel and financial obstacles related to marriage registration.
Previously, couples had to return to their registered civil registries to marry, which proved challenging for those residing in different locations. For example, a couple living in Beijing could not register their marriage if one partner hailed from a distant region, leading to undue inconvenience. The new regulation facilitates easier access to marriage registration nationwide, responding to public expectations for streamlined processes.
The Chinese population saw a significant decline in marriages, dropping by one-fifth last year, alongside a third consecutive year of population decrease. To tackle this issue, in addition to simplifying registration, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has announced efforts to combat harmful customs, such as excessive “bride prices” and extravagant wedding expenses that contribute to financial pressures on families.
The “bride price,” often a substantial cash gift from the groom’s family, is intended to honor the bride but can place excessive financial demands on her family. Such costs, alongside high living expenses and the burden of educational fees, deter many young couples from marriage and starting families. Ultimately, these reforms aim to alleviate some of these pressures and promote a culture more conducive to marriage and childbearing in China.
In conclusion, Beijing’s new measures to simplify marriage registration and reduce financial burdens aim to address the declining marriage rates and birthrates in China. By allowing registration at local residences and combating harmful customs, the government seeks to remove barriers faced by young couples. Continued efforts are crucial to foster a societal environment that encourages marriage and family formation amid economic uncertainty and rising costs.
Original Source: www.mykxlg.com
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