In a time when the novel coronavirus is spreading accros the country, while the holiday ends and people need to return to work, HACOS received many questions from our foreign friends. So today we prepare a series of Q&As concerning exit-entry to help you. First thing first, here's a brief of the current epidemic situation so far according to DingXiangYiSheng, whose source is from health authorities, as of 17:14 on Feb 7: - Confirmed cases: At least 31,253 in China, 260 abroad
- Deaths: 637, mostly in Hubei
- People are generally susceptible to the virus
- Incubation period: no more than 14 days
△ Epidemic map made by DingXiangYiSheng
There're some change in policies during the epidemic. Our previous articles have mentioned that work permit approval will be processed online, and on-site services without appointment will not be available.
Most of the public services across the country have similar changes. Check these links to know more. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
- How to apply for visa, stay or residence permit?
According to National Immigration Administration (NIA), all exit-entry administration (EEA) authorities in China will be in full service for extension and issuance of visa and stay or residence permits. For foreigners who have submitted their passport for visa or residence permit application and need to shift to express service, please apply to the authorities via phone. You will be contacted once the document is ready for pick-up. If you want to work in China and have obtained the work permit notification letter, which means that you're going to apply for a Z visa, it is suggested that apply for it at Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.
- What to do if my visa expires?
Foreigners should exit China or apply for extension before the visa, stay or residence permit expires. But rules changed because of the current situation. Those who are unable to exit as scheduled or extend the visas, stay or residence permits due to the reason of epidemic prevention and control shall be given a lgihter or mitigated or be exempted from punishment. In Shanghai, for example, if you had already applied for a Z visa before, and it expired caused by the delay of entry due to the epidemic, your employer can submit a fact sheet for approval if you enter China with other visas.
- Is exit and entry to China affected during the period?
Foreigners could make reasonable travel arrangements to China and stay or reside in China as usual. Visa-free transit policy are still effective. But it is advised to reduce or avoid cross-border trips due to some restrictions. Here's what we know about ports that have been affected: - Transportation channels for exiting Wuhan have been temporarily closed.
- Hong Kong SAR: The Hong Kong SAR has temporarily closed checkpoints in Luohu, Huanggang and Futian. Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Checkpoint are still open. Cross-border ferry services between Hong Kong and Guangdong Province are still provided at Skypier at Hong Kong International Airport but suspended at Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal. The number of flights between Hong Kong and mainland airports has been reduced with flights to and from Hubei Province suspended.
- Macao SAR: Any non-Macao SAR resident who has visited Hubei Province within 14 days will be asked to provide a certificate issued by a certified medical institution to prove that he/she is free of novel coronavirus infection prior to the entry to Macao SAR. Failing to provide such proof will result in rejection of entry.
- Can I exit as usual during the period?
Please learn in advance entry requirements of destination countries or regions to avoid financial and time losses in case of any entry refusals. NIA has introduced an inquiry service allowing you to inquire on exit-entry restrictions info (provided in Chinese only). You can long press the following pic to scan the code and enter it.
- What to do if I recently came from other regions?
(1) If you came from Hubei Province or made a transit in Hubei ProvincePlease make a note of the time and detailed information of the transportation you took (license plate, train or flight number and tickets, seat number, etc.)You shall inform the work station of your community, your employer or the hotel you are staying in upon arrival. You are required to undergo a 14-day self-monitored or collective quarantine. Your cooperation with the community staffs, doctors and police officers is highly appreciated.(2) If you came from other regionsPlease pay close attention to your and family members’ health status. Please avoid gatherings or other group activities within 14 days upon arrival. - Where to buy masks in Guangzhou?
Expats living in Guangzhou can now make a reservation for masks with their passport number through the WeChat mini-programme "Suikang" (穗康). The service opens to public at 20:00 everyday, which gives users chance to book certain amount of masks from the pharmacies nearby. As the chance to book masks online is still limited, you can also try your luck at the pharmacies near communities. Major pharmacies revealed that masks are back in stock gradually as more manufacturers have resumed production. These pharmacies include GPHL’s subsidiaries (Jianmin Pharmacy 健民医药，Cai Zhi Lin 采芝林, Guangzhou Medical Pharmacy 广州医药大药房, Yi Xin Tang 广药一心堂药店) as well as major pharmacies such as Da Shen Lin 大参林, Hai Wang Xing Chen 海王星辰 and Jin Kang 金康. - When do consulates general resume work?
Here's a timetable of consulates general's work resumption time in Guangzhou, please tap to enlarge the full size:
HACOS Business Services have started work online from this week. We'll stick to our posts, run for your business with our best services. Please feel free to contact us if you have any question.
Lots of measures and policies have been adjusted and taken due to the epidemic situation. We will post a series of articles about latest policies and solutions. Stay tuned.
Share to let your friends know!
SOURCE | NIA / GZ Gov / Shenzhen Daily