China relaxes visa rules

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, NOV. 23. China has announced that foreigners with senior management or technical experience as well as those who have ``invested heavily'' will be allowed to stay in the country ``permanently'' and enter China without a visa.

In a sign that China was opening up further, Beijing also announced that foreign tourist groups could get visas on arrival at designated ports of entry from January 1, 2002. Apart from the relaxations concerning foreigners, China's Public Security Ministry lifted curbs on Chinese citizens wanting to travel to Hong Kong and Macau on business. These persons can now remain in Hong Kong and Macau for three years at a stretch and there will be ``no limit'' on the number of persons travelling out of mainland China to these destinations.

The Ministry announced that by 2005 Chinese citizens in large and medium-sized cities will be able to obtain a passport simply by presenting their identity cards and household registration documents to the authorities. By the end of 2002, Chinese citizens will no longer have to file applications or submit invitation letters to travel abroad.

Currently, Chinese citizens go through a complicated process to apply for a passport, including approval from their employers and producing extensive identification. ``The measures are viewed as an important step for Chinese people to further join the international community,'' People's Daily reported.

``Before 1978, when China started its reform and opening up policy, natural population mobility was prohibited and a person who wanted to move his or her domicile needed approval and certification from local authorities,'' it said. China, which formally joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on November 10, not only needs foreign talent to come into the country but encourages its citizens to go overseas.

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Section  : International
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