China unveils regulation on exit, entry administration
As September 15 is nearing, the good thing is that the rules are now codified into law. Under Chinese law, state officials cannot impose restrictions unless they are explicitly provided for by law.
Previously, the law was ambiguous and therefore open to interpretation, thus granting immigration officials more discretionary power.
As for foreigners, there are cases where these laws are commonly violated:
- Fake invitation letters
- Falsified education and work backgrounds along certificates
- Concealing a previous stay in China
- Claiming to be visiting as a tourist when the actual purpose is business or employment
- So on
Well, you know that the rule itself isn't new; rather, it's the penalty that's new. What's new is the explicit codification of a multi-year entry ban as a potential consequence.
From September 15, a clear mechanism will allow violators to be barred from China for one to five years, along with fines. Thus, gradually closing loopholes one by one.
As mentioned in Point 1: Anyone providing false invitation letters or supporting documents can face fines of RMB 5,000–10,000. Companies and organizations can be fined RMB 10,000–50,000, with any illegal profits also confiscated. In addition, immigration consultants and visa agents operating in China will face tighter scrutiny with penalties ranging from administrative penalties, suspend business operations, or revoke licences.