[sabi]

None of this makes sense until seen in context of the Tibet issue.

China is getting the response it is seeking - it is showing its anger at the problems of the Olympics torch, heads of govts skipping the opening ceremony and criticism of the IOC head and others over human rights issues (read - ganging up on China).

Here is a good article on IHT about the feelings of the Chinese people:

Sympathy on Beijing's streets, but not for the Tibetans - International Herald Tribune

Another incident also highlights the same - Carrefour is being targetted for boycott on the mainland because one of its owners, LVMH, has supported Tibet. All those long queues of Chinese outside their shops will soon dwindle.

As westerners and their media have politicised the Olympics, so the govt is doing the same to western businesses. Sure China will suffer from these disruptions but they will bite the bullet for the sake of their country. Anyway, the economy needs to be reined in so why not kill two birds with one stone?

[climber07]

China to clear out students, refugees before Olympics

[pin]

another article in the SCMP:

New curbs on travel to the mainland
Travel agents report fresh China visa hurdles; businesses worried
Liz Heron
Apr 18, 2008


New visa restrictions have been imposed without warning on travel to the mainland by the central government - causing fresh consternation among business leaders and travel agents in Hong Kong.

Travel agents say all travellers - including those taking trips to Shenzhen - must show return travel tickets and hotel vouchers to get a visa; that visitors from 33 countries can no longer get visas in Hong Kong but must apply in their home countries; and that a new visa has replaced the short-stop visa for Shenzhen.

At least one business traveller has been stranded in Hong Kong by the restrictions, which were disclosed on Monday to travel agency couriers and came into effect on Tuesday.

The rules have been issued by the Commissioner's Office of the Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong.

Among the 33 countries whose nationals, travel agents say, can no longer get visas in Hong Kong are Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey. The ban does not apply to people from these countries living in Hong Kong.

The changes come days after travel agents said they had been told on March 27 that no new multiple-entry visas would be issued until October. In addition, immigration offices at the border stopped issuing short-stay visas to Shenzhen on April 1, when the commissioner's office took over the issuing of all visas.

The office said yesterday multiple-entry visas could still be issued.

The moves have provoked acute concern from chambers of commerce, who fear the interests of Hong Kong companies will be damaged.

Daryl Bending, senior travel consultant with Concorde Travel, said: "We were told late on Monday with pretty much immediate effect that anyone wishing to travel to any mainland destination was required to have a copy of the airline ticket and the hotel voucher before they apply for a visa.

"We were also told about a new visa for entering Shenzhen, which will effectively replace the on-the-spot Shenzhen visa that used to be issued at the border.

"Previously, if you went up to the border you could get a visa there, which was for approximately five days. We were told on Tuesday that the hotel voucher and proof-of-travel requirement would also apply to Shenzhen whether the passenger goes by boat, train or car."

Mr Bending said: "I think the restrictions will deter some foreign tourists from travelling to China at all and ... put an end to much of the casual traffic from Hong Kong to Shenzhen for shopping and recreation."

The Commissioner's Office yesterday released a statement confirming that a return ticket and a hotel voucher was required for a tourist visa and an additional "visa notification form" for a business visa. It said the measure was "to spare applicants unnecessary trouble".

It did not respond to queries about a new Shenzhen visa or new requirements for 33 nationalities.

A Hong Kong government spokesman said: "The government has reflected the views and concerns of the Hong Kong business community to the mainland authorities."

Rob Schlipper, of Outpac Designs, which makes travel security products with a Shenzhen firm, said the changes were "a devastating blow".

Malaysian consul general Cheong Loon Lai said the consulate had received a request for help from a Malaysian businessman who made a day trip to Hong Kong during a business trip to the mainland and was not allowed back over the border.

[neha]

What if u go for just a day trip and by bus to Guangzhou then how do u apply as the new requirements are tickets and hotel confirmation?

[Boris]

Posted before " Travel agents say all travellers - including those taking trips to Shenzhen - must show return travel tickets and hotel vouchers to get a visa;"

For a day trip I would think you would have to show HK traval and accom details. BUT - looking at it from the present China viewpoint - how can they be sure you will only be going on a day trip.

Catch 22 - You could show them a return ticket to GZ - but you can only get ( in Shenzhen ) on arrival at the station. SHZ and GZ for the return.

So you would have to travel from Hung Hom station and show the return ticket is my guess.

[drumbrake]

RTHK radio 3 will be covering this on Monday morning in Backchat. I think they are looking for contributors.

[ontheroad]

Originally Posted by pin

At least one business traveller has been stranded in Hong Kong by the restrictions, which were disclosed on Monday to travel agency couriers and came into effect on Tuesday.

Serious investigative journalism from the SCMP.

[pin]

Interesting response from our corporate TA re multiple entry visa's:

"Please note the China visa services have suspended until further notice (due to the Tibet issues during the period of Olympics)."

[links]

So this olympics does not welcome foreigners and mainly for chinese only?

They kill off many businessmen in the export trade. Since they are so afriad of foreigner ,it will be recommended that they cancel the olympic games.

[MovingIn07]

surely with all the tibet and torch relay stories SOMEBODY might have spotted it and thought it might be worth reporting!

"China visa backlash against business in protest at Tibet" might make a nice headline.....