The new entry-exit administration law that comes into effect on September 1 has caused a lot of debate and anxiety among the foreign community in China. While some speculate that the new laws may actually make it easier for certain groups of foreigners to obtain visas, German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle has claimed that the new rules will make it much more difficult and timely for foreigners to obtain visas for Mainland China in Hong Kong, especially for holders of EU passports.
At present, EU nationals can stay in Hong Kong for 90 days without a visa, more than enough time to process a Mainland visa application. Business people in particular have been choosing Hong Kong as a fast-track visa-processing destination where six month and even one year visas have been relatively easy to obtain in a short space of time.
However, according to Deutsche Welle, the processing time of visas in Hong Kong will likely take much longer after September 1 when the new law takes effect. The number of Chinese visa types has increased from eight to 12, which is likely to slow down the processing time. Another reason is the introduction of a biometric visa system which will collect fingerprints, face shots and other information. The immigration agency will use these details to screen the identity of each visa applicant. Furthermore, in countries like the U.K and the U.S. a class system is already in effect regarding the visa holders. Similarly, China will begin to strengthen its foreign invite system and assess the importance of each applicant towards the country, effectively weeding out those who are of no use to China.
Source: wenxuecity.com
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Keywords: Chinese visa types mainland visa in Hong Kong new entry-exit law
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You don't think these new regulations are designed to stop people coming from poor countries as visitors or students then staying beyond their welcome? I am talking about the ones who support their China stay with drug dealing, prostitution, stealing etc... As always, the mis-deeds of the few spoil it for the majority.
Aug 14, 2013 09:31 Report Abuse
I have a strong feeling that the individuals who will be deemed "useless" to China will be anyone who is not from the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia or as I like to call them, the Golden Five. For a country that claims to be bent not ending up like the United States, China is certainly following in their footsteps. I repeat, these are not the only English speaking countries in the word, but they already know that.
Aug 09, 2013 17:59 Report Abuse
Actually its not South Africa that's part of the "golden five", They too have a tough time obtaining visas. Canadians on the other hand find it extremely easy to get a visa, my friend recently got a 1 year visa in less time and expense than it took an American and a British guy. Surprisingly you may find that Africans do become easier to obtain visas, especially from Central African countries where China is investing a lot of capital on raw material mining.
Aug 14, 2013 09:52 Report Abuse
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