The Beijing municipal government yesterday denied reports in the foreign media that said it had stopped issuing official invitation letters for business visas to foreigners.

"Some foreign media have reported that the Beijing municipal bureau of commerce (BMBC) has stopped issuing official invitation letters, known as notification letters, needed for business visas. But the fact is we never did so," Zhao Hui, a BMBC official, said.

"We have been handling about 150 applications every day this month, up 52 percent year-on-year," he said.

China adjusted its visa policy in April, in line with the established international practice, to ensure security for the Olympics.

That's why new visa applicants were asked to provide invitation letters, certificates of relatives, proof of reserved accommodation and/or round-trip air tickets along with the other mandatory details.

(Xinhua News Agency July 29, 2008)