Many ethnic Chinese living outside of China will be able to apply for visas valid for much longer stays from today, as the country tries to attract overseas Chinese to live and do business in China.
Following changes to visa rules, foreigners of Chinese origin will be able to apply for visas valid for multiple entries over a period of five years, up from one year previously.
The changes will also see validity periods for residency permits for these foreigners extended from three years to five.
China's Ministry of Public Security announced these changes last week, and said the move is meant to make it easier for these foreigners to "return home" to visit families, do business and run personal errands.
A foreigner of Chinese origin refers to either a former Chinese citizen who has obtained foreign citizenship, or the children of present or former Chinese citizens, according to China's official definition.
Such an individual would need to have one parent, grandparent or ancestor who is or was a Chinese citizen.
The changes would most directly affect former Chinese citizens and their children, since it would be easier for them to prove their Chinese origin by submitting official documents issued by China, such as copies of their Chinese passports or identity cards, or those of their relatives.
Many ethnic Chinese living outside of China will be able to apply for visas valid for much longer stays from today, as the country tries to attract overseas Chinese to live and do business in China.
China's Ministry of Public Security announced these changes last week, and said the move is meant to make it easier for these foreigners to "return home" to visit families, do business and run personal errands.
The changes would most directly affect former Chinese citizens and their children, since it would be easier for them to prove their Chinese origin by submitting official documents issued by China, such as copies of their Chinese passports or identity cards, or those of their relatives.
