China has announced administrative measures to support its economy, allowing certain foreigners to obtain entry visas upon arrival in the country and enabling rural residents to reside more easily in urban areas.
These facilitations aim to “enhance the freedom of movement for individuals, vehicles, information, and data,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security released on Thursday.
China’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery has slowed in recent months due to decreased consumption and a crisis in the real estate sector.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) only grew by 0.8% between the first and second quarters of this year, while youth unemployment rates surpassed 20%.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Public Security announced 26 measures on Thursday, including new rules for granting entry visas to foreign businesspeople.
Individuals coming to China for trade negotiations, exhibitions, conferences, or investment will be able to obtain a visa upon arrival, provided they present the necessary documents.
Previously, travelers had to apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates in their home countries.
Additional facilitations were also announced for the controversial permanent residency system that classifies Chinese citizens as “rural” or “urban” for decades.
Chinese citizens have the right to reside, live, and work anywhere in the country, but due to the residency system, they can only access certain public services, such as healthcare and education, where they are registered, which is typically their place of birth.
These arrangements, seemingly aimed at preventing uncontrolled urban expansion, have actually discouraged many Chinese citizens from residing in cities due to difficulties in accessing full public services.
To alleviate these restrictions, China plans to introduce “additional facilitations for registration requirements” and will “encourage capable rural residents to work and live in cities and reside there with their families.”
