On 12 November 2020 Yin Chengji, the Deputy Director of the National Immigration Administration (NIA) in China, stated that in order to prevent the importation of foreign Coronavirus cases, the NIA will seek to strictly control any unnecessary cross-border activity. Yin confirmed that the NIA will monitor and examine closely applications for entry-exit documents for non-essential reasons, and will discourage and restrict mainland Chinese residents’ non-essential entry and exit such as travel for tourism or visiting family and friends overseas.
The above statement was made at a press conference held by the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council on strengthening the prevention and control of the winter epidemic and the in-depth development of the patriotic health campaign.
As the numbers of imported Coronavirus cases in China increase, 46 land ports and 66 border crossings have been closed, and security measures have been strengthened to prevent foreign personnel from bypassing and crossing the border, with the movement of cargo being an exception. The NIA will also continue to suspend entry of foreigners with certain types of valid visas and residence permits, as well as regional visa-free policies.
Please note that this is a new policy on which Gherson is actively seeking clarification. Please check our future blogs for any update.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2020
Consultant solicitor