Jane Lai

    SOME expats residing in Shenzhen have said that China’s new visa policy, which sparked controversy in overseas media after it was introduced recently, was “reasonable.”

    Their remarks came after a Foreign Ministry news conference April 29, explaining China’s new arrangements regarding visa applications.

    “The Beijing Olympic Games is not risk-free. The Chinese Government always places security as the top priority in preparing for the Games, and has taken a series of effective measures to prevent and deal with various security threats,” Jiang Yu, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said at the press conference.

    “Proof of invitation letters and airline tickets need to be filed with the applications. Documents required vary according to applications,” Jiang said.

    An Indian businessman who identified himself as Frank said yesterday that China was “wise” to have taken this step and such arrangements should have been made a long time ago.

    “China’s visa policies were much more lenient compared to other countries. The new arrangements follow the international routine and I think they are, to a great extent, reasonable,” Frank said.

    Some expats complained to the Shenzhen Daily recently that the “stricter” visa application procedures have inconvenienced their lives.

    “I do think the new arrangements are reasonable, because the Olympics is a great event that inspires everyone and visa checks should be tightened to ensure greater security. But it would make foreigners’ lives easier if the authorities could make public the arrangements in advance,” Ambra Mundula, manager with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Guangzhou, said yesterday.

    A Foreign Ministry official, who declined to be named, said yesterday that visa application procedures were now similar to those in other countries and the word “tightening,” which has been frequently used recently, was not accurate when one considered the previous leniency.