Most illegal immigrants in China work as foreign language teachers, performers or maids, according to information released by China's Ministry of Public Security, the People's Daily reported Thursday.

The numbers of foreigners in China has increased by 10 percent yearly since 2000, said Yang Huanning, vice-minister of Ministry of Public Security, in a report to the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress yesterday.

About 37 percent of foreigners in China work in joint companies, education institutions or as representatives of multinational branches in China. A total of 4,752 foreigners hold permanent residential permits, the report said.

The report said most illegal immigrants enter China as tourists or students.