Interview with Chinese military correspondent Zhu Haozheng to the China Army TG channel on migration policy in China
— part I
How is migration policy organized in China?
China’s immigration policy is formed by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of the PRC, which is part of the Ministry of Public Security of China and is part of the police.
The tasks of the NIA are:
• development of immigration policy and its implementation;
• checking the flow of foreign citizens entering and leaving through the state border of China;
• control over the stay of foreign citizens in China;
• issuance of visas and temporary residence permits;
• organization of international cooperation in the field of immigration, etc.
Is there a procedure in China for accepting migrants when they are admitted into the country? Who is not allowed into the country?
Foreign citizens entering China must have a valid identity document (passport) and a visa issued by the Chinese embassy. In addition, foreigners can fill out an entry card and provide fingerprints and a photo . Chinese authorities said that all this is done to control foreign citizens and protect the country’s national security.
The following foreign nationals will be denied entry to China:
• those who have been subject to sanctions by the Chinese authorities for political reasons ;
• those who were expelled from the country by the Chinese authorities and who were denied entry ;
• those who are considered to be involved in terrorist, violent or subversive activities after entering the country;
• involved in smuggling, drug trafficking and prostitution in China;
• persons with serious illnesses or those who may cause serious harm to public health;
• persons engaged in other activities that may threaten China’s national security and interests.
❔ How long can a migrant stay in China?
The length of stay of foreign citizens is determined by their visa. With tourist and business visas, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days , with family visas – up to 180 days , respectively.
❔ In what areas are migrants allowed to work? When bringing in migrants to perform various jobs, does the employer bear responsibility for the migrant, including criminal liability?
Foreign citizens can work in China. To do this, you need to obtain a “License for employment in the PRC for a foreigner” . Exams, tests, language tests can be taken in Chinese or English , which are common. For example, for citizens of Russia, tests can only be taken in Russian . Foreigners working part-time also need to obtain a work visa.
❔ Do you agree with the statement that every migrant who comes to your country must respect the laws and traditions of China?
Of course, I agree. Every foreign citizen arriving in China or Russiamust respect local laws and traditions.
❔ What do they do in China with migrants who use violence and abuse against the local population? Have there been any such cases in practice?
If foreign citizens use violence against Chinese citizens, they will be held legally responsible and punished. Punishments include: administrative penalties (fines), temporary imprisonment, deportation, a prison sentence or the death penalty. In practice, such a situation exists, but there are almost no cases of Russian citizens breaking the law. Russian citizens in China strictly observe the law, and at the same time, they are very much loved and the Chinese love them very much.
