Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has decided to simplify entry and exit procedures from Oct. 1, with China's seven-day National Day holidays approaching.
From Oct. 1, foreign or Chinese passengers, who transit at a mainland airport within 24 hours on their way to another country, will not need to fill entry or exit forms, according to MPS.
In addition, all Chinese citizens, including those living in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas, need not fill the exit forms when they leave the country from Oct. 1, according to MPS.
China has already simplified its entry and exit procedures since beginning of this year, and previous policy allowed Chinese citizens enter China without entry registration since January 1 this year.
The new measures aim to simplify immigration procedures in line with international practice and improve efficiency, said Zhu Jiqing, deputy director of the Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration with the Ministry of Public Security Tuesday.
Existing regulation requires transit passengers to fill in at least two forms, one for entry registration and the other for exit.
Outbound Chinese passengers have to fill in a Customs declaration form besides exit document.
These complicated procedures have led to growing public complaints as passengers flows increase rapidly.
Since the reform and opening policy adopted in China, the number of passengers entering or exiting the country has surged to 318 million in 2006 from 5.7 million in 1978, MPS statistics showed.
Zhu also promised to shorten entry and exit time for passengers arriving for the 2008 Olympics.
China has begun the countdown to the 2008 Olympics and issued several new policies for the event.
In January, the MPS promised to improve visa application procedures so foreigners involved in the 2008 Olympics will find it easier to enter the country.
"Anyone with valid Olympic Identity and Accreditation Cards will enjoy visa-free entry into China one month before and after the Olympics," said Li Changyou, deputy director of the Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration with the Ministry of Public Security.
Source: Xinhua
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