The Foreign Ministry has dismissed news reports and rumors claiming the country had stopped issuing multiple-entry visas and had tightened visa restrictions.

A senior official of the ministry's consular department called such reports "unfounded", adding that Chinese diplomatic missions have been issuing multiple-entry visas to foreigners who meet the requirements.

"We have not cut down the number of visas," he said on Wednesday.

The type of visa issued and the period of validity and stay are in accordance with relevant laws and regulations as well as the specific situation of individual applicants, the official said in a statement.

He advised foreigners to submit all relevant documents and apply for the visa in their home country or country of residence to ensure smooth procedures.

The official did admit China had recently made some changes according to Chinese law, the practice at past Olympics and usual international practice.

The arrangements include asking the applicants to provide invitation letters, proof of accommodation and round-trip air tickets to ascertain their identity and purpose of visit.

"The policy is to create a safe and favorable environment for the Olympic Games," he said.

The official said visa issuance concerns national sovereignty, and different countries have different requirements for applicants. He said, comparatively speaking, it is quite convenient to apply for a Chinese visa.

He also said every country's visa policy is subject to change. For example, when a country is holding large-scale international sporting event, mutual or unilateral visa exemption might be canceled or suspended.

(China Daily June 2, 2008)