Info-sharing to streamline exit-entry

New regulations are expected to make travel in country more convenient for foreigners

A nationwide platform for sharing and searching exit-entry information is being considered in China, according to the central government.

The platform aims to strengthen the coordination of governmental departments across the country relating to exit-entry affairs and to improve efficiency, according to a State Council report.

The report was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, for review over the weekend.

"Our exit-entry departments are increasing informationization, as information sharing among them is insufficient," said Huang Ming, vice-minister of public security.

Currently, residents have to go to several different departments to submit documents if they want to go abroad, "which contributes to the asymmetric information sharing among exit-entry authorities", Huang said.

The country plans to build the platform by asking the departments to join hands in sharing their data, he said.

"Meanwhile, an exit-entry integrated data application platform for public security is planned, and we'll integrate data from authorities covering railway, civil aviation, tourism, foreign affairs, maritime and foreign specialists, aiming to effectively solve exit-entry issues," Huang said.

In addition, the report stipulates that the country's exit-entry services for foreigners will be improved, while a series of regulations, including one related to the permanent residence of foreigners, are to be issued soon.

"Foreigners with permanent residence permits will be given an e-certificate that can better serve them when buying tickets for trains, flights and ships, and make booking accommodation or dealing with financial insurance more convenient," Huang said.

Ada Jen, a United States citizen and administrator at an international school in Beijing, said, "I'm glad to know that life will be made more convenient for Chinese green-card holders like me.

"It takes too long to buy a ticket at Beijing South Railway Station, and my permit could not be used when I wanted to stay at a hotel in Guangdong province."

Roeland Aerts, a marketing executive from Belgium, said that he has never had an unpleasant experience with exit-entry bureaus in China, but added that some paperwork processes could be simplified or put online.

"Putting paperwork processes online would be more practical," Aerts said.

"When my parents come to visit, besides preparing all the paperwork, they need to go the consulate to deposit the forms, which is about a four-hour drive from their home, which is impractical."

The new exit-entry data platform should speed up related affairs and improve efficiency, he said.