Press conference: Introducing the five measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China
Xie Yingjun, Deputy Director and Spokesperson of the Information Bureau of the State Council Information Office:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to the press conference of the State Council Information Office. Today we invited Mr. Liu Haitao, deputy director of the National Immigration Administration, to introduce to you the five measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China and answer your questions. Also present at today’s press conference were: Mr. Mao Xu, Director of the Foreigners Management Department of the National Immigration Administration, and Mr. Chi Jingyang, Director of the Border Inspection Management Department.
Now, let’s first ask Mr. Liu Haitao to introduce the situation.
Liu Haitao, deputy director of the National Immigration Administration:
Dear friends from the media, good morning. I am Liu Haitao, deputy director of the National Immigration Administration. I would like to thank you all for your continued concern and support for immigration management.
The picture shows Liu Haitao, deputy director of the National Immigration Administration. (Photo by Xu Xiang)
In order to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference and the Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference, the National Immigration Administration will launch 5 measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China from now on, and actively cooperate with relevant departments to further open up the relevant issues for foreigners to come to China for business, study, and tourism. Blocking points, better services to ensure high-level opening to the outside world, and services to promote high-quality development. Let me introduce these 5 measures in detail:
The first is to relax the conditions for foreigners coming to China to apply for port visas. For foreigners who urgently need to come to China to engage in non-diplomatic and official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, and handling private affairs, but who do not have time to apply for a visa abroad, they can apply to the port visa authority with invitation letters and other relevant supporting materials. Apply for a port visa and then enter the country.
Second, foreigners can transit directly through Beijing Capital Airport and other hub airports 24 hours a day without going through inspection procedures. At the nine international airports mentioned above, including Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing Daxing Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, Xiamen Gaoqi Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, Chengdu Tianfu Airport, and Xi’an Xianyang Airport, 24-hour free transit for direct transit passengers will be implemented. Go through border inspection formalities. For inbound and outbound passengers holding international connecting tickets within 24 hours and transiting to a third country or region through any of the above airports, they can skip the border inspection procedures and directly transit without a visa.
Third, foreigners in China can apply for visa extension, replacement and reissue at their nearest location. Foreigners who come to China for a short period of time to engage in non-diplomatic and official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, sightseeing, and handling private affairs. If they have legitimate reasons and need to continue to stay in China, they can go to the nearest place of stay. The public security bureau’s entry-exit management agency applies for visa extension, replacement and re-issuance.
Fourth, foreigners in China who need to enter and exit multiple times can apply for re-entry visas. If foreigners in China need to enter and exit multiple times due to legitimate and reasonable reasons, they can apply to the public security bureau’s entry-exit management agency for the replacement of a valid multiple-entry visa with the invitation letter and other relevant supporting materials.
The fifth is to simplify the application materials for visa documents for foreigners in China. When foreigners apply for visa documents, if their accommodation registration records, business licenses and other information can be queried through information sharing, they are exempted from inspection of relevant paper certification materials; foreigners in China who apply for short-term family visit and reunion visas for relatives, A statement of kinship from the inviter can be used instead of a certificate of kinship.
As my country’s economy and society continue to recover and improve, and the level of opening up to the outside world continues to expand, Chinese and foreign enterprises and personnel have put forward many new demands for deepening immigration management services. The National Immigration Administration will proactively coordinate with relevant authorities to continue to focus on the blocking points for foreigners coming to China for business, study, and tourism, continue to deepen the reform of immigration management services and policy and system innovation, accelerate the promotion of institutional opening-up, and actively participate in creating a first-class business environment and proactive services to promote the construction of a new development pattern.
Now, my colleagues and I are willing to answer your questions. Thank you.
Xie Yingjun:
Now everyone is welcome to ask questions. Please inform your news organization before asking.
Poster News Reporter:
In recent years, the National Immigration Administration has deployed and issued a series of policies and measures to facilitate entry and exit of immigrants. What are the main considerations for these five measures? Thanks.
Liu Haitao:
Thank you for your question. I will let you know about this issue. For more than a year, the National Immigration Administration has persisted in deepening the reform and innovation of immigration management around services, ensuring open development, innovative development and high-quality development. It has introduced a series of convenient policies and measures to continuously smooth channels for foreigners to come to China and strive to provide foreigners with better services. Provide efficient and convenient immigration management and government services for working, studying and living in China.
As you asked, this time we are studying and introducing five measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China, with three main considerations: First, China has always been committed to promoting economic globalization and promoting the construction of an open world economy to better benefit people of all countries. . In order to adapt to the current trend of efficient and fast exchanges in international economic and trade activities, especially the development trend of investment and trade liberalization and facilitation, immigration management agencies continue to optimize the policy environment for the entry, exit, stay and residence of foreign personnel, and actively promote the smooth and convenient cross-border movement of personnel from various countries. Second, the just-convened Central Economic Work Conference made clear arrangements for further expanding high-level opening up. Immigration management agencies have taken proactive measures to facilitate the exchanges of Chinese and foreign personnel and promote opening up to the outside world on a larger scale, in a wider field, and at a deeper level. The third is to adhere to a problem-oriented approach. In view of the gradual increase in the number of foreigners coming to China since the new coronavirus was infected with the “B Category B”, and at the same time, some foreigners reported that the channels for coming to China are not too smooth and it is not convenient to apply for visas. The immigration management agency has fully Give full play to its functional role and cooperate with relevant authorities to clear up the obstacles that exist when foreigners come to China for business, study, and tourism, smooth personnel exchanges, and better promote global economic recovery. Thanks.
China Central Radio and Television Station reporter:
We have noticed that in August 2023, the National Immigration Administration launched measures to facilitate port visas for foreign business personnel. What are the main considerations for relaxing the conditions for foreigners to apply for port visas this time? Thanks.
Mao Xu, Director of the Foreigners Management Department of the National Immigration Administration:
Thank you to the CNR reporter for your question. Since the National Immigration Administration launched port visa facilitation measures for foreign businessmen who urgently need to come to China in August last year, the number of business visas issued by port visa authorities across the country has increased by 166% year-on-year, and has been well received and welcomed by the majority of foreigners and foreign-invested enterprises.
The picture shows Mao Xu, director of the Foreigners Management Department of the National Immigration Administration. (Photo by Xu Xiang)
The relaxation of the conditions for foreigners to apply for port visas this time is mainly to further extend the port visa conditions to foreigners who urgently need to come to China to visit exchanges, invest and start businesses, visit relatives and handle private affairs and other non-diplomatic and official activities, basically covering The vast majority of foreigners who have urgent needs to come to China will more fully utilize the functional advantages of port visas to provide foreigners with a more convenient and flexible way to come to China. Thanks.
Cover News Reporter:
What was the number of arrivals last year? Has it returned to pre-pandemic levels? What are your predictions for the number of arrivals this year? Thanks.
The picture shows Chi Jingyang, director of the Border Inspection and Management Department of the National Immigration Administration. (Photo by Xu Xiang)
Chi Jingyang, Director of the Border Inspection and Management Department of the National Immigration Administration:
Thank you for your questions, and thank you for your support and concern for border inspection work. In 2023, border inspection agencies across the country will inspect a total of 210 million people entering the country, which has recovered to 62.9% of 2019. With the development of global economy and trade, the orderly resumption of international flights and the gradual active cross-border flow of people, we expect that the number of arrivals will continue to grow in 2024. The National Immigration Administration will also give full play to its functions and make every effort to promote exchanges and exchanges between Chinese and foreign personnel, facilitate exchanges, and better serve high-level opening up and high-quality development. Thanks.
China Daily reporter:
We have noticed that the third convenient measure introduced this time is a convenient measure that allows foreigners in China to apply for visa extension, replacement and reissue nearby. I would like to ask what other specific contents this measure contains? Will the certificate application period be extended as a result? Thanks.
Mao Xu:
Thank you to the reporter from China Daily for your question. Thank you for your attention and support to the management of foreigners. At present, after foreigners enter the country with a visa and stay in China according to the period of stay specified on the visa, if they need to extend the period of stay due to legitimate and reasonable reasons, or if the ordinary visa is damaged or lost, or if they have reasons that comply with national regulations, they should report to the inviting unit in advance , apply for visa extension, replacement and re-issuance with the entry-exit management office of the public security bureau in the place where the inviting person is located or where the incident occurred. According to statistics, nearly 50,000 foreigners apply for extension, replacement and reissue of ordinary visas in China every year.
In 2022, we implemented a pilot program to facilitate the processing and approval of visa extension applications for foreign personnel engaged in investment, entrepreneurship, scientific research, and economic and trade in China. This has been welcomed by foreign business people, enterprises and institutions, and has achieved good results. .
In order to better serve the efficient and convenient cross-regional movement of foreigners in my country and facilitate their scientific and reasonable arrangement of activity itineraries, based on the results of the previous pilot, we have further extended the scope of application of “off-site permit application” to all non-diplomatic and official business travelers coming to China for a short period of time. Activities personnel facilitate foreigners to appreciate the majestic mountains and rivers, feel the splendid civilization, and experience the results of China’s reform and opening up.
The exit and entry management agency of the public security organ will still make a decision on approval and issuance within the statutory 7 working days, and the processing time will not be extended due to processing in other places. Thanks.
Phoenix TV reporter:
Foreigners can transit directly at the hub airport port 24 hours a day without going through inspection procedures. What conditions do they need to meet? In addition, what should I do if I need to leave the airport? Thanks.
Chi Jingyang:
Thank you for your question. Inbound and outbound passengers can directly transit through Beijing and other 9 airports 24 hours a day without going through inspection procedures. They need to meet two conditions: first, they must hold their own valid international travel documents; second, they must book a seat within 24 hours and transit to a third country. or a connecting ticket to a certain area, and does not leave the port restricted area. International transfer passengers who meet these two conditions only need to go to the international direct transit area, go through the relevant check-in procedures, and then wait for boarding in the departure terminal.
If you really need to leave the restricted area of the port, you should apply to the border inspection agency for a transit temporary entry permit. You need to provide the following two materials: first, your valid international travel document; second, a seat reserved within 24 hours for transit to a third country or region. A connecting ticket and a temporary entry and exit card for foreigners. Here is a special reminder: If the international travel document you hold is valid for less than 3 months, or has a stamp of refusal by the Chinese visa agency, and if you have illegal entry and exit, illegal residence, illegal employment records and other illegal situations in China within 5 years, the border inspection agency Temporary entry permits will not be issued. Thanks.
China News Service reporter:
We just introduced 5 new measures. Can you explain in detail the specific content and applicable conditions of the measures for foreigners in China to apply for re-entry visas? Thanks.
Mao Xu:
Thank you for your question. As economic globalization accelerates, international cooperation, economic and trade exchanges, cultural exchanges and other activities become increasingly frequent. During our research, we found that some foreigners who frequently come to China for scientific research exchanges and project cooperation hope to obtain re-entry visas in China before their visas expire, so that they can return to China in a timely manner after leaving the country and arrange their work schedules efficiently. . In order to adapt to the current needs of fast-paced and high-frequency international exchanges and actively respond to the actual needs of foreigners, the National Immigration Administration has launched re-entry visa facilitation measures. If foreigners in China need to travel back and forth multiple times due to legitimate reasons, they can apply for a multiple-entry visa to the entry-exit management agency of the public security bureau in China with the invitation letter and other relevant supporting materials before the visa expires to stabilize the exchange of foreigners in China. Expectations for the development of interactions. Thanks.
Reporter from Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:
On December 1 last year, my country implemented a trial unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries. What is the effect of the policy after its implementation? Thanks.
Mao Xu:
Thank you for your question. Since my country launched a trial unilateral visa-free policy for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia on December 1 last year, as of January 9 this year, there have been a total of 147,000 visa-free entries from the above-mentioned six countries. The overall upward trend includes more than 4,300 visa-free entries on January 8, more than double the number on December 1, 2023, with sightseeing and leisure tourists accounting for 70%. Effective services facilitate foreigners to come to China for business, trade and tourism, and are widely welcomed by relevant Welcome and praise from national personnel. Immigration management agencies will adhere to standardized and civilized law enforcement to ensure smooth port customs clearance and provide high-quality and efficient customs clearance services for foreigners coming to China without visas. Thanks.
Reporter from Hong Kong China Review Press:
Please introduce in detail the measures introduced this time to simplify visa application materials for foreigners in China. What are the conveniences compared to before? Thanks.
Mao Xu:
This is a good question. Currently, when foreigners in China apply for visas and residence permits, in addition to their passports, they also need to submit materials related to the application, such as invitation letters, business licenses, accommodation registration receipts, family relationship certificates, etc.
The convenience measures introduced this time include: First, it is clarified that the public security organs’ entry-exit management agencies can be exempted from inspecting accommodation registration records, business licenses of foreigners, and other information that can be found through information sharing. Original license and other paper supporting materials; secondly, foreigners in China who apply for a short-term family visit and reunion visa for relatives do not need to go through the kinship certificate and related certification procedures. The inviting person’s statement of kinship can be used instead of the kinship certificate to further facilitate their visit to China. Facilitates application for certificates for short-term family reunions.
With the deepening application of information technology in the field of immigration management, on the basis of standardized management in accordance with the law, we will further streamline the application materials, optimize the application process, improve the efficiency of application, and actively expand e-government services to effectively improve the application experience. Thanks.
Interface News Reporter:
According to reports, during this New Year’s Day holiday, national border inspection agencies inspected a total of 5.179 million people entering and exiting the country, an increase of 4.7 times compared with the New Year’s Day holiday in 2023, and has returned to the level of the same period in 2019. The Spring Festival is less than a month away. What measures are being taken to ensure safe and smooth customs clearance for Chinese and foreign personnel during the Spring Festival holiday? Thanks.
Chi Jingyang:
Thank you for your question. As you just said, the average daily number of arrivals and departures during this New Year’s Day holiday has returned to the same period in 2019. Based on past inbound and outbound passenger flow patterns, we predict that there will be a new wave of inbound and outbound passenger peaks during the Spring Festival. The National Immigration Administration has specially deployed border inspection agencies across the country to make full preparations in advance to provide necessary convenience and assistance to Chinese and foreign passengers, and to make every effort to ensure safe, smooth and orderly port traffic during the Spring Festival. At that time, the National Immigration Administration will also announce relevant forecast data and response measures, and provide reminders. Inbound and outbound passengers are requested to pay attention to changes in port passenger flow in a timely manner and arrange their itineraries reasonably. Here, overseas Chinese are also welcome to return home for the holidays, and foreign friends are welcome to come to China to experience traditional Chinese culture. Thanks.
Xie Yingjun:
last question.
The picture shows Xie Yingjun, deputy director of the Information Bureau and spokesperson of the State Council Information Office. (Photo by Luan Haijun)
Nanfang Daily Nanfang reporter:
Starting from December 1, 2023, the National Immigration Administration has officially issued and launched a new version of the People’s Republic of China Permanent Residence ID Card for Foreigners, also known as the “Five-Star Card”. Can you introduce the application of “Five-Star Card”? Thanks.
Mao Xu:
Thank you for your question. This issue is also a matter of great concern to society at present. After the new version of the permanent residence ID card for foreigners, also known as the “Five-Star Card”, was released last year, it has a more beautiful style, higher technological content, and more convenient social applications. Since the issuance was launched, the number of new applications and renewals has increased significantly.
The permanent residence permit is the legal identity document for foreigners permanently residing in China and can be used alone. In order to ensure the convenient application of the permanent residence permit, the National Immigration Administration, together with the relevant authorities, continues to promote the adaptability upgrade and transformation of relevant information systems, facilities and equipment in various relevant industries and local units, so as to be compatible with the old version of the permanent residence permit and ensure that the old version The permanent residence permit can continue to be used within the validity period, and foreigners holding the old version of the permanent residence permit are also welcome to exchange for a “five-star card” as needed.
At present, the adaptability transformation of system equipment of industrial units in key people’s livelihood service fields and key areas has basically been completed. Foreign permanent residents in China can conveniently purchase air tickets, train tickets, take flights, check in to hotels, and handle It handles financial services such as banking, securities, and foreign exchange, handles communication services such as mobile phones and broadband Internet access, and handles government services such as taxation, social security, property registration, public security traffic control, and customs. It is convenient to register and use on Internet platforms such as Alipay, WeChat, and JD.com.
The National Immigration Administration will further increase coordination and promotion efforts, deepen the convenient application of permanent residence certificates, and strive to accelerate the comprehensive application of permanent residence certificates in various government services, public services, and Internet services across the country. Thanks.
Xie Yingjun:
Thank you to all the publishers for your introduction, and to all the journalists and friends for your participation. That concludes today’s press conference. Goodbye.