Your Census Questions Answered... sort of

We reported several weeks ago about the “pre-census” census taking place in Beijing from August 15 to September 15. Since then a lack of concrete information and several reports of suspicious behavior have left many readers asking serious questions about the whole process. Here at the Beijinger we’ve done some digging to try and answer your questions. Instead we’ve received vague answers and found a mass of conflicting reports in the Chinese media.

The Global Times over the past couple of weeks has carried a series of stories that make the census seem like anything but the straightforward, normal affair the government is attempting to portray it as.

In fact these days it seems everyone wants to be a census taker, including real estate agents who have been using the census as a means of snooping around people’s homes. Then there are the police officers who recently used the ‘census taker’ moniker as a means of entering a house to arrest a former journalist who had “published a book exposing alleged corruption over the Sanmenxia hydropower project in Shaanxi.”

Nice one boys – blatantly lying to gain entry to private homes is a great way to build people’s trust in the authorities.

Needless to say, these actions have left many uncertain about opening their door to anyone claiming to be a census taker.

So how are we supposed top spot a real census worker? Apparently we should look out for workers wearing T-shirts and carrying bags, paper, and pens inscribed with “Chinese Population Census” in red Chinese and English lettering.

Having said that, a census staff member has admitted “Takers also might not wear the official uniform they are supposed to wear at all times as they only get given one T-shirt.”

The Global Times also notes: “Census takers might outsource information-gathering to a property management company or neighborhood residents' committee ‘because it's very difficult to reach you at home,’ said a city census staff member who asked not to be named. Technically they were not supposed to conduct the census over the phone ‘unless they know you personally,’ she conceded.”

It seems many Beijing residents have been called and ask to give personal information over the phone however.

China Daily has reported that the identities of those working for the census has been posted in some communities, although it is unclear if these lists refer to takers for specific apartment blocks, complexes, or larger subdistricts. Those who read Chinese can check the name, gender, and ID numbers of census workers in their area online.

During the current pre-census period expats should only be asked about passport and visa information, as well as their landlord’s contact number for those that rent.

The actual census starting on November 1 will consist of an unconfirmed number of questions that will include name, age, gender, nationality, reasons for coming to China, levels of education, and length of stay. Different reports have claimed there will be eight or eleven questions for foreigners. However, when we called the census enquiries line they told us there will be “six or seven” questions for non-Chinese census takers.

Expats will not be questioned on income or religion.

The confidentiality that surrounds the census will not extend to foreigners here illegally or on expired visas, or those who have not kept their residence registration up to date. In other words, census information is completely confidential unless it is information the police might want.

Those that take the census should receive a letter signed by the census taker to guarantee confidentiality, and signed by the person being questioned to guarantee that the information is correct.

Several readers have asked whether participation in the census is a legal requirement. Again, the answer to this is unclear. The Global Times quoted an official stating, “Those who attempt to avoid the census, ‘obstruct the process’ or provide incorrect information will be punished.” The National Census Ordinance say penalties will range from “criticism” to “punishments.” Very helpful.

When we called the census help line, we were told that those who do not participate will not be punished, but the census office “hopes foreigners will cooperate with them.”

Clear as mud? Good.

And just think, the real thing hasn’t even started yet!