China’s updated rules governing entry into and departure from the country have entered into effect on September 15, introducing several new restrictions aimed at safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security.
The relevant decree of the State Council of China was adopted to “protect the lawful rights and interests of people entering and leaving China, as well as safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.
Under the decree, Chinese authorities will issue risk warnings concerning travel to certain countries and regions. These warnings are to be taken into account both by Chinese citizens and government agencies when processing travel documents.
Where necessary, immigration authorities will be able to request additional documents from Chinese and foreign nationals concerning the purpose of their trip. Authorities may refuse permission to leave the country if false information is provided.
Under the new decree, Chinese citizens who commit offences abroad may also be barred from leaving China for between six months and three years.
A separate provision stipulates that Chinese citizens may be prohibited from travelling abroad if they violate export-control measures concerning goods or technologies, or pose a threat to “national technological security”.
By Bakhtiyar Abbasov
