Chinese citizens will no longer need to offer an invitation from overseas in applying for dealing with procedures to go abroad beginning February 1 this year, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

The exit registration card attached with their passports will also be canceled on the same day.

This is one of the six major reforms the ministry has decided to carry this year to simplify entry-exit procedures to meet the situation of China's accession to the World Trade Organization.

( People's Daily January 17, 2002)