Have ethnic Chinese heritage? There may be a 5-year visa for you

A new visa option for those of Chinese descent

Beginning this Thursday (Feb 1), a new five-year visa policy will come into effect, allowing foreigners of Chinese origin to stay in China for five years with multiple-entry.

According to Qu Yunhai, the head of The Ministry of Public Security's Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration, the new policy was created to encourage more overseas Chinese to 'participate in China's economic development.'

How do you know if you qualify? As reported by the South China Morning Post, a foreigner of Chinese origin can be defined in two ways: a former Chinese citizen who has obtained foreign citizenship, or the offspring of present or former Chinese citizens. If this sounds like you, the next step is to start submitting official documents to the ministry proving your ethnic background, such as copies of your or your relatives' Chinese identity cards. Get to it for a hassle-free five-year life in China – at least on the visa front...

Only got 24 hours in Beijing? Hit 'Read more' for our guide to packing it all in.

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