In An Effort To Boost Economy, China To Relax Visa Requirements

As part of a series of steps aimed at bolstering the country’s ailing economy, China will allow some visitors to receive visas on arrival and rural inhabitants to settle more readily in cities.

According to a Ministry of Public Security official, the relaxations are intended to promote the free movement of people, vehicles, information, and data.

China’s post-Covid rebound has stalled in recent months, driven down by sluggish spending and a faltering real estate industry.

GDP growth climbed by only 0.8 percent during the first and second quarters of the year, while youth unemployment has hit new highs of more than 20%.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled 26 new policies on Thursday, including a new visa policy for foreign businesses.

Those traveling to China to participate in trade discussions, expos, conferences, or to invest will be able to acquire visas on arrival if they provide the relevant documentation.

Previously, visitors had to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Also announced Thursday was a further modification of the contentious permanent residence system, or hukou, which has labeled Chinese individuals as urban or rural for decades.

Chinese nationals have the right to settle, reside, and work anywhere in the country.

However, according to the residence system, people can only receive some public services, including health insurance and education, where they are registered, which is usually their place of birth.

This policy, which is officially intended to prevent unrestrained development, in practice drives many Chinese to abandon city living due to the obstacles in gaining full access to public services.

China would further relax registration requirements and encourage people from the countryside who have the ability to work and live in cities to settle there with their families to ease these constraints.

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