Visa policy after the Olympics
August 29, 2008 – 3:38 pmThe government has once in a while told the public that the current visa policy is not a permanent thing. Things got really worse in the beginning of April, however Beijing kept stating that this is only due to the security of the Olympic games and its visitors.
Now the games are over. Olympic athletes from all over the world are leaving or have already left the competition venues and Beijing would be smart if it returned to pre game times. The economy of China has a really tough time at the moment, as many business people but also tourists and students have a hard time to enter the country.
Many peoples say soon after the Olympics everything will be right, so I took a look at the calendar. Monday, the 1st of September could be an interesting date. The games will be over 1 week already, it’s a new month and a Monday, a beginning of a new week. I really hope we will see changes on that day, but I have often before expressed my doubt and I’ll do it again. China has no interest to go back to the times when visa were sold like rice burgers. Anyone want some? I’m looking for the newspapers of Monday the 1st of September.
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8 Responses to “Visa policy after the Olympics”
It could be a long-term readjustment. China’s coastal provinces are no longer chep-labor locations, the hinterland may never be integrated into the global economy to the degree the coastal provinces are, and I can imagine that the Chinese government is eager to shift more highly-qualified jobs (currently often held by foreigners) to Chinese staff. This would also fit into a global economy that is generally becoming more protectionist and regionally focused after the failed Doha Round. Anyway, time will show. Maybe we’ll know in a few months. September 1 doesn’t have to be the ultimate litmus test.
By justrecently on Aug 31, 2008
Strange, just today I read an article about the transformation of Japan from a cheap labour place to high-tech industry. Basically the same thing what You are saying. This might be a good opportunity for me to pick up a book about the recent economic history of Japan and draw conclusions for China.
Yeah, September 1st can be the day of reverting the visa policy, it also could be another day.
By Hendrik on Aug 31, 2008
Obviously nothing has happend… how did you manage to get your student VISA? I’m planning to go there as a tourist and applicate it there – staff is nicer inside China^^
By Aremonus on Sep 13, 2008
..mmmm I’m in Hong Kong at the moment
When I went to Kunming in Spring I had a Business Visa.
I heard there are 24hour visas for foreign people coming from Hong Kong going to mainland which are issued directly at the border free of charge. But I’m not sure, haven’t tried. Hearsay so to speak
By Hendrik on Sep 14, 2008
At least there used to be – I’ve been told that they’d stopped issuing them in May, too.
By Aremonus on Sep 14, 2008
I’ll go back to Germany in October. Sometime next year I’d like to come back to Asia, I hope until then everything will be fine.
By Hendrik on Sep 15, 2008
Well, if not, it doesnt matter either – just get a hotel reservation confirmation of a cheap hotel, will take maybe € 20.- for 30 days. Get a roun-trip flight and when u’re running out of time, make ur visa longer – takes something like 160 yuan, I did it too. If u wanna stay for long, u can straightly get a business or a student visa – why not?^^
I’ll be in Chengdu from January till August next year too, studying in Jiaotong. Hope to see u then^^
By Aremonus on Sep 15, 2008
I heard that Japan Travel Agency might have 12 month multi entry visa beginning in October. But it’s more like hearsay. So take this information with care.
By Hendrik on Sep 17, 2008