Residence permits, business visas made easier

Starting from the end of August, expatriates applying for residence permits in China now don't need to leave their passports at the Exit-Entry Administration Department, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Previously, expats who applied for residence permits had to hand over their passports to the Exit-Entry Administration Department for review.

The passports would be returned when they claimed their residence permits.

But now, it's not a must for the exit-entry authorities to keep the passports after verifying their validity.

According to Jia Tongbin, deputy director of the Foreigner Management Department of the National Immigration Administration, the drive is to make it more convenient for expats to work, study, invest and start businesses in China or for those visiting relatives.

Passports are necessary for travel, accommodation, taxation, banking and postage services.

This move is expected to benefit more than 700,000 expats every year and help facilitate a more efficient, convenient commercial atmosphere and form a more friendly society for expats.

Another measure released by the Ministry of Public Security is to help foreign businessmen and traders obtain easier visa renewals, as they need to frequently apply for visas to China.

According to the ministry, many foreigners are now coming to China for business or trade-related affairs, including inspection, negotiation as well as participation in exhibitions and conferences, investment and starting up new businesses.

If they have no time to obtain a visa in their home country, they can apply for visas at the port where they enter China with the company invitation letter and required materials.

Those who need to visit China multiple times for business can apply for a multiple-entry business visa within three years after entering the country.

"This measure will further promote the exchange of cross-border businessmen and traders, as well as provide a smooth channel for foreign company executives, merchants and others to come to China to carry out business activities," Jia said.

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Editor: Liu Xiaolin
Designer: Zhang ChaoyanWriter: Ke JiayunPhoto: Ti GongSource: City News Service

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