Have visas become an issue in China?

Sun, Apr 27 01:25 AM

WITH hardly 100 days left before the Olympic games open in Beijing, some Indian professionals posted in China - India's largest trade partner - face the prospect of packing up at short notice as visa rules are more strictly enforced. China denies there is a problem issuing visas.

"It is more convenient to apply for Chinese visa compared with many other countries,"' foreign ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told the media on April 24. "China will facilitate visa application by foreigners who want to attend the games.

As for multiple-entry visa applications, as far as I know, such visas are still issued to those who meet requirements." An Indian professional posted in Beijing is struggling to meet these requirements.

He told HT he is preparing to return to Delhi in May after his resident permit expires. "I'm facing much uncertainty over the renewal of my resident permit," he said, requesting anonymity.

"Four of my colleagues have gone back to India to secure new visas. My wife and son left earlier this month because I couldn't renew their visas.

" The Beijing office of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry said it has not received formal complaints from Indian businessmen. It is said that these visa regulations existed but are now being more strictly enforced for nationals of all countries.

Bilateral trade between India-China is targeted at 60 billion dollars by 2010 and many Indian businessmen enter China through Hong Kong, from where recent media reports indicate visas are now hard to get.

RECOMMEND THIS STORY