A press conference was held in Beijing on Tuesday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of two exit and entry laws: the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Control of the Exit and Entry of Citizens and the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Control of the Entry and Exit of Aliens. 

The vice director of the Ministry of Public Security's Exit & Entry Administration Department, Li Changyou, said the number of cities and counties now open to foreign nationals is 2,650, 92 percent of the country's total area, compared to 244 cities and counties in 1985.

Foreigners on business trips can also apply for port visas in as many as 31 cities with invitations from their Chinese hosts. In 1986, such cities numbered only 13.

Li said port facilities have also undergone drastic development since the past 20 years. In the first half of this year, an automated customs clearing system for tourists went into operation in Zhuhai's Gongbei Port and Shenzhen's Luohu Port in Guangdong Province.

Li said insufficient infrastructure was the major reason the remaining 8 percent of China was still closed to foreigners, but that the situation was improving through the strenuous efforts of government departments.

Thirteen foreign nationals were given permanent resident status at a ceremony in Beijing yesterday; as of September, 649 from 33 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and Singapore, were conferred this status.

On August 15, new permanent residency regulations were issued by the public security and foreign affairs ministries, and those eligible can reside in China for an unlimited period as well as enjoy visa-free trips back.

The criteria for eligibility were: holding senior posts in China; making large direct investments in China; making outstanding contributions or being of special importance to China; and living in China with families for more than five years.

(China.org.cn by Wind Gu November 24, 2005)