China has scrapped a system which allowed forced labour to be used as punishment to sex workers and their clients.
It was announced on Saturday the nation's parliament voted to remove the extra-judicial "custody and education" system, which had seen punishments of up to two years imposed.
This decision would be effective from Sunday, when all those currently held in detention under the system would be released, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
State media said the instruction to do away with the system had come from the Cabinet and parliament had recommended a review last year.
Prostitution remains illegal, however, with punishments of up to 15 days in detention and fines issues as punishment.
China banned prostitution after the Communist revolution in 1949.
Reporting by agencies.
