More than 30 million border crossings by Chinese reported in the first quarter

More than 30 million Chinese mainland entries and exits were recorded during the first quarter, down 5.9% from last year, of which 14.6 million were Chinese citizens who made outbound trips, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA). The NIA issued 426,000 passports and other exit and entry documents and granted 136,000 foreign stay and residence permits. The issuance of these documents effectively ensured the safe and unimpeded flow of international industrial and supply chains, and met the urgent needs of Chinese citizens going abroad to resume work and production or cultural and humanitarian exchanges, said Chen Jie, Spokesman for the NIA. Given that the global Covid-19 prevention and control situation remains challenging and complex, the NIA will continue to implement tight immigration policies and conduct strict examinations of immigration documents, he said.

Immigration authorities at land, sea and airports have taken measures in light of local conditions to ensure orderly customs clearance. After the recent outbreak of Covid-19 in Guangdong province’s Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and Shanghai municipality, local immigration authorities quickly opened fast channels for border inspection for cargo ships carrying anti-epidemic and livelihood materials, and provided electronic customs clearance for international cargo flights to ensure the safe and smooth flow of operations at ports.

Efforts have also been stepped up in border areas in the management of illegal immigration. Foreigners should come to China through legitimate channels, stay and reside in accordance with the approved reasons, time limit and region, and strictly abide by Chinese laws and regulations, Chen said. During the first quarter, authorities arrested 13,400 foreign nationals involved in illegal entry, residence and employment, and repatriated 8,000, the China Daily reports.