China unveils 10 new immigration measures, expands port access for Taiwan residents

(ECNS) -- China on Monday unveiled ten new immigration and exit-entry measures, including a nationwide system allowing mainland residents to apply for permits to visit family in Taiwan, and an expansion of ports authorized to issue single-entry travel permits to Taiwan residents, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced.

The number of ports where Taiwan residents can obtain a single-entry Mainland Travel Permit upon arrival will increase from 58 to 100, the NIA said. Under the new measures, Taiwan residents arriving at mainland ports without valid travel documents may apply for a single-entry permit at port exit-entry offices and enter the mainland upon approval.

Starting Wednesday, applications from mainland residents for family visit endorsements to Taiwan will be accepted nationwide. Residents can apply at any public security exit-entry bureau at or above the county level, following procedures prescribed by their place of household registration.

Additional measures include expanding the pilot scope of talent endorsement policies, promoting intelligent exit-entry clearance at select ports with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and broadening the scope of ports offering 24-hour visa-free direct transit. Facial recognition technology will also be introduced at more ports beyond Shenzhen Bay and Zhuhai’s Gongbei Port.

(By Zhang Dongfang)