letter in today's SCMP from the PRC government:
"Recently, China's visa policy has caused concern in the Hong Kong media and business community. Some people expressed confusion and articles ran speculating that China has changed its opening-up policy. With a view to addressing any misunderstandings, I would like to make some clarification and candidly explain our visa policy and current practices to your readers.
First, one thing must be made clear - there is no change in China's opening-up policy, nor in its visa policy in line with this policy. Commemorating the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening up is as much a monumental event this year for us as hosting the Olympics.
In his keynote speech "Continuing Reform and Opening up and Advancing Win-win Co-operation" at the just-concluded Boao Forum in Hainan, President Hu Jintao talked at length on China's commitment to reform and opening up and resolving to continue peaceful development.
Second, as everyone knows, the issuing of visas is part of the exercise of national sovereignty. Recently, some appropriate arrangements for issuance of visas have been made with reference to practices of previous hosting countries of the Olympics and other major international sporting events, and in line with China's relevant laws and regulations.
Applicants are now required to provide some of the following documents; an invitation letter, certificate for relationship, hotel vouchers, onward and return tickets. Compared with most other countries, it is more convenient to get a Chinese visa.
For example, foreigners are not asked to provide biometric information and a visa is issued in a relatively short period of time. The current visa arrangements are conducive to creating a safe and comfortable environment for foreign visitors in China. We hope that your readers can understand this.
Third, the Commissioner's Office of the Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR has taken full account of the city's unique status and special situation and has adopted all the necessary measures to facilitate the visa applications of foreign nationals in Hong Kong.
The commissioner's office has informed consular missions and the media in Hong Kong of China's current visa arrangements and the way to obtain detailed information.
For the convenience of the public, the latest visa requirements can be found at the website of the commissioner's office (
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As for the issuance of multiple-entry visas, they are still available for those applicants in need and who are qualified.
Applicants are required to provide their Hong Kong identity card, an original visa notification form issued by the relevant authorities, and supporting documents indicating business relations (such as business licences and contracts).
Applications will be considered case by case. Our office provides an efficient service, especially an "express service", to ensure early issuance for applicants.
Thanks to collective efforts, the visa service of the commissioner's office in Hong Kong remains efficient and convenient.
We see several thousand applicants coming to our consular department every day. Our visa officers are working long extra hours to ensure applicants can get visas on time. If you come and witness how hard they work, you would not leave untouched. Actually, many consular missions here have acknowledged our efforts in this regard through various ways, and the media in Hong Kong is increasingly fair and objective in its reporting.
The commissioner's office remains committed to contributing to the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and encouraging friendly exchanges between China and other countries.
Song Ronghua, spokesperson, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region"
