Foreigners in China now can have their visa and residence permits automatically extended for two months, if such documents happen to expire during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the National Immigration Administration.
The National Immigration Administration has rolled out special measures March 1 to facilitate foreigners' stay in China as well as their arrivals and departures amid the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak.
With no need of a separate application, foreigners in China will have their stay or residence permits extended automatically for two months during the epidemic period, said Liu Haitao, an official with the administration.
Immigration offices nationwide will issue urgent exit and entry permits within 24 fours for those coming to China for anti-COVID-19 missions, including medical assistance, drug development and academic exchanges, Liu said.
They could also apply for a special visa at Chinese ports of entry if their journey is made on too short a notice, he added.
Like Chinese citizens, foreign residents in China can file applications online and have documents delivered to their homes after the issuance, Liu said.
(Source: xinhuanet)
