Chinese parents whose adult kids fail to visit or phone them have the support of a new law. Beginning May 1, they can sue their children for abandonment and their children's credit scores might also be compromised.
Shanghai's local government announced the new policy in a press conference and posted the ruling on its official site. Other provinces, like Guangdong and Jiangsu, will also implement the same ruling, Daily Mail reports.
The measure comes as the government hopes to ease the situation of its elderly, especially those living in nursing homes since living costs continually increase. A 2014 report implied that China's senior population will reach six million by 2025, per Shanghai Daily.
Penalties For Children Who Abandon Chinese Parents
Chinese media agency Xinhua reports that local agencies will be established to assist Chinese parents in filing suits against their children. If the allegations are proven, the children could risk their credit scores being blacklisted. Hence, they will not be able to get loan approvals or open bank accounts.
The law implies that visiting and calling parents is a child's moral obligation. They are also expected to give regular financial support, as well as spiritual comfort, regardless if the parents are living in their own homes or at a retirement facility. In worst scenarios, the children might be ordered by law to return home permanently.
Children Voice Out Against New Policy
Following the announcement, Chinese children aired their sentiments on the social media site, Weibo. "Even visiting home has become a law enforcement issue," posted Sunzixx, per Huffington Post.
Some expressed worries over more abuse and punishment from bad parents, which is why they have limited contact and visits. Others said that they are incapable of traveling frequently back home. "I'm 2,000 miles away from home. I miss my parents so much," said one Weibo user. "But I earn little and have very few off days - going home is a wild wish of mine."
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