In a bid to provide easy access for residents to go abroad, new exit-entry policies in the eastern province of Jiangsu will take effect soon, Xinhua news agency reported.

The provincial Public Security Department said Jiangsu residents wishing to go to Hong Kong or Macau on business will be able to stay for as long as three years before their visas expire. Those who stay for less than three months can get visas without extra requirements on taxation or foreign exchange.

County-level public security departments will be granted the authority to process visa documents for business travel to the special administrative regions.

Foreign tourist groups will be able to obtain visas directly at the provincial capital's Lukou international airport.

A special channel for Chinese citizens at the airport will be established to speed up entry procedures.

Currently, a Chinese citizen must go through complicated formalities when applying for a passport, including getting approval from his or her work unit, and producing household registration documents and other identification.

Starting February 1, Jiangsu residents will not have to file applications or submit invitation letters to go abroad for settling, family reunion, visiting, traveling, business and working.

( eastday.com February 7, 2002)