On January 22, 2018, the Ministry of Public Security of China held a press conference to announce the introduction of eight measures to facilitate entry and exit. These eight measures cover various aspects including nearby document processing, self-service document processing, free photography, document processing for foreign Chinese, and self-service border inspection, which have been implemented since February 1, 2018!
Among these, the measure "providing visa and residence convenience for foreign Chinese" has garnered significant attention from the foreign Chinese community.
According to the announcement on the official website of the Ministry of Public Security of China, for foreign Chinese visiting relatives, conducting business, engaging in cultural and educational exchanges, and handling personal affairs in China, the entry and exit management authorities can issue multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years as regulated; for foreign Chinese who need to reside long-term for work, study, family visits, or personal affairs, residence permits valid for up to 5 years can be issued as regulated.
Experts from WorldWay Immigration stated that this measure is equivalent to foreign Chinese being able to obtain a 5-year "provisional green card" as regulated, which is indeed a significant benefit for the Chinese community! The facilitation of entry and exit will greatly promote foreign Chinese coming to China for work, investment, and entrepreneurship!
Interpretation of the Measures
In recent years, various cities in China have successively introduced a series of policies to facilitate foreign Chinese coming to China, but for most people wishing to return home for family visits or tourism, the maximum validity of the visa applied for is only 1 year for multiple entries, and the maximum duration of residence permits does not exceed 3 years.
However, now, the validity period of visas and residence permits has been extended to 5 years, greatly facilitating foreign Chinese who wish to return home.
Previously, various regions had introduced exclusive provisions for foreign Chinese, but there were many restrictive conditions. For example, Shanghai has the "New 10 Measures" for entry and exit policies in the science and technology innovation center; Beijing has the "20 Measures" for entry and exit in the Zhongguancun Demonstration Zone; Guangdong Province allows foreign Chinese born in Guangdong or with original household registration in Guangdong to apply for multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years. It can be said that these were partial pilot programs, but now, this condition has been officially lifted!
On a national level, this means that regardless of which city you return to in China, and regardless of your original household registration, you can apply for a 5-year multiple-entry visa as regulated! Professionals indicate that the elevation from partial pilot areas to a national level reflects the generalization of the beneficiary group of foreign Chinese. The relaxation of visa and residence duration has deepened the benefits for foreign Chinese.
For detailed analysis, please call: 400-138-2929