Immigration running tight ship at borders

More than 30 million Chinese mainland entries and exits were recorded during the first quarter, down 5.9 percent from last year, and of which 14.6 million were Chinese citizens who made outbound trips, according to the National Immigration Administration.

During the period, the administration issued 426,000 passports and other exit and entry documents, approved 1.05 million endorsements for visits to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, 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.

The administration will provide precise and effective services to those going abroad for urgent and necessary needs, such as for study, work, business or other economic activities, and help with humanitarian emergencies, he said.

In addition, immigration authorities at land, sea and air ports 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 safe and smooth flow of operations at ports.

Efforts have also been stepped up in border areas in the management of illegal immigration.

During the first quarter, authorities investigated 4,414 criminal cases of obstructing border management, apprehending 16,700 suspects, confiscating 565 firearms, more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition, 1.85 metric tons of drugs and 41.4 tons of precursor materials.

Chen said that front-line immigration authorities have maintained the highest level of prevention and control, strengthened patrols and investigations in border regions, closely cooperated with neighboring authorities on law enforcement, and cracked down on illegal entry and exit.

The problem of illegal immigration in China mainly manifests in the form of the illegal entry, residence and employment of foreign nationals. The NIA is committed to protecting the rights and interests of foreign nationals, and cracking down on crime, he said.

China is a civilized and open country that operates under the rule of law, and 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.

"It is normal for immigration authorities to investigate illegal activities. The crackdown is strictly in line with laws and regulations, treats all people as equals, and imposes punishments based on facts without targeting any particular country, group or industry," he said.

During the first quarter, authorities arrested 13,400 foreign nationals involved in illegal entry, residence and employment, and repatriated 8,000.