Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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Beijing, July 25 /Xinhua/ — China plans to improve its visa-free transit and entry programs, as well as expand the digitization of border and immigration services, said Qi Yanjun, Deputy Minister of Public Security of China, on Friday.
Ci Yanjun, during a press conference held in Beijing, spoke about measures for “institutional openness in immigration management” as part of broader efforts to support China’s openness policy.
Regarding specific measures, Qi Yanjun noted that the authorities will accelerate the digitalization process of travel documents, including passports and permits for travel to border areas, to simplify their use.
In addition, the authorities plan to expand the use of accelerated and “smart” customs clearance channels, as well as gradually transition immigration services to a fully online mode. He added that policies regarding the issuance of visas and residence permits will be further adjusted, and digital entry services will be improved to provide more convenience for foreign guests.
Ci Yanjun also stated that the ministry will support the pilot free trade zones in the country in conducting experiments with new public security and immigration management measures, and will extend successful measures to the central and western regions of the country where conditions permit.
Currently, China grants unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of 50 countries. In addition, citizens of 55 countries can now take advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit program for entry into China through 65 designated entry points.
In the first half of the current year, the number of visa-free entries of foreign citizens increased by 30.6 percent compared to the same period last year and exceeded 17.8 million, accounting for 77.7 percent of the total number of foreigners arriving in the country, according to data from the State Administration of Migration Affairs of the PRC. -0-
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