Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus:

We noticed that the action plan requires easing the visa application process for foreign business personnel and their families. Could you brief us on the background and content of relevant policies? Thank you.

Jia Tongbin:

Thank you for your interest in immigration management. The NIA earnestly implements the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, fulfilling its obligations to serve the country's high-standard opening-up and high-quality development. We continuously deepen reform of immigration management services; advance policy and institutional innovation, as well as system integration and promotion; and promote institutional opening-up in alignment with international high-standard economic and trade rules. These efforts aim to provide better and more convenient immigration management services for foreign investors and business personnel.

Since 2023, more than 20 policies and measures have been introduced to attract and support foreign nationals coming to China, providing services for their work and life in the country.

First, we have been continuously optimizing policies and measures for foreign nationals coming to China. We have promptly resumed and gradually relaxed the conditions for applying for port visas and launched port visa services at more ports. Port visa entry has been streamlined for foreign nationals holding ordinary passports who urgently need to come to China for business cooperation, visits, exchanges, investment, entrepreneurship, tourism, and other purposes. Currently, over 950,000 applications have been processed, bringing the number of issuances back to pre-pandemic levels. The scope of visa-free transit policy has also been steadily expanded. Foreign nationals from 54 countries are currently eligible for up to 72- or 144-hour transit visa-free policies, which are available at 31 ports in 18 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) in China. The visa-free transit policy has allowed a total of 550,000 foreigners to come to China for exchanges, cooperation, and business negotiations without visas.

Second, we have actively provided visa facilitation for international business personnel. For foreign nationals engaged in business cooperation, investment, and entrepreneurship in China, a multiple-entry visa can be issued for up to five years if there are legitimate reasons for multiple entries and exits. They can also extend or reissue their visas at the nearest location. After implementing the above policies, the number of visa applicants in China increased by 150% year on year. In accordance with the deployments of the action plan, two-year valid visas have been issued to foreign management and technical personnel of foreign-invested enterprises. Accompanying spouses and minor children are also eligible to apply for visas of the same duration. Extension or reissue procedures can be carried out for these visas. These measures further facilitate the exchange of international business personnel.

Third, we have been continuously improving immigration and entry-exit administration services. We have developed multilingual government websites and new media platforms to provide timely updates on policies and regulations concerning visa applications and the entry of foreign nationals into China. The 24-hour service hotline of the National Immigration Administration's (NIA) 12367 government affairs service platform has been launched globally. Since 2021, the 12367 service platform has provided consultations and resolved issues for more than 7 million people, achieving a service satisfaction rate of 97%. Relevant policies and measures have effectively promoted the exchange of foreign business personnel, stabilized expectations for development in China, and helped create a first-class business and foreign investment environment.

Next, the NIA will continue to focus on attracting and utilizing foreign investment with greater efforts. We will take the initiative to coordinate with relevant authorities and continue to deepen the reform of immigration management services, along with policy and system innovation. We aim to accelerate institutional opening-up, actively support the construction of a new development pattern, and promote a high level of opening-up to the outside world. Thanks.