Bosses who delay paying migrant workers could face criminal penalties, according to a rule released by the government of Wuhan, capital of Hubei province.

The police will detain those who delay paying salaries above 10,000 yuan ($1,650) for more than three months, the city government ruled in a campaign to help migrant workers get paid ahead of Spring Festival.

The police will transfer suspects to prosecutors for non-payment of wages, and the prosecutors may then charge them, the rule said.

Apart from judicial authorities, government agencies, including human resources and social security bureaus, urban construction bureaus and industry and commerce bureaus will also help migrant workers get their back pay in full, the China National Radio reported.