China updates entry and exit rules

Stricter rules for entering and leaving China came into force on September 15. The regulation introduces several new restrictions to ensure the sovereignty and security of the country, writes sb.by.

According to TASS, the corresponding decree of the State Council of China was adopted to “protect the legitimate rights and interests of persons entering and leaving China, as well as to ensure national sovereignty, security and development interests.” According to the document, the Chinese authorities will issue risk warnings when visiting certain countries and regions, which should guide both Chinese citizens and government departments when reviewing their travel documents. The situation abroad will be assessed based on the events taking place there, including possible armed conflicts, natural disasters, man-made disasters, outbreaks of infectious diseases.

If necessary, migration authorities will be able to request additional documents from citizens of China and other countries on the purpose of travel. If false data is provided, the authorities may refuse to leave. If Chinese citizens commit an offence abroad, they may be banned from leaving the country for six months to three years.

A separate provision said Chinese citizens could be banned from traveling abroad if they violated export controls on goods and technology or posed a threat to “national technological security.”.

In case of false data or forged documents when applying for visas or crossing the border into China, foreign citizens may be banned from entering the country for a period of one to five years.

The updated rules provide for fines from 5 to 50 thousand yuan (from $ 740 to $ 7 500) for illegal provision of intermediary services in the processing of entry and exit documents, the production of fake invitations for foreign citizens, the organization of such illegal activities without a license. The provision of such services by foreign companies is prohibited.