Given the misunderstanding about China's visa policy recently, the spokesman of the Commissioner's Office explains the current policy in a statement published on the South China Morning Post(14th May 2008 ). The article is as follows:

Committed to Opening Up,

China's Visa Policy Remains Unchanged

Recently China's visa policy has caused concern of some Hong Kong media and business community. Some said they were confused or even ran articles speculating that China has changed its opening up policy. With a view to addressing misunderstanding, I would like to make some clarification here, explaining our visa policy and current practices to members of the public in a candid manner.

First, one thing must be made clear-there is no change in China's opening up policy, nor in its visa policy in line with the former. Commemorating the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening up is as much a monumental event this year for us as hosting the Olympics. In his keynote speech "Continuing Reform and Opening Up and Advancing Win-win Cooperation" at the just concluded Bo'ao Forum in Hai'nan, President Hu Jintao talked at length on China's commitment to reform and opening up and resolve to continuing peaceful development. I refer you to the speech, which would give you a better understanding of these two guiding principles.

Second, it is known to all that visa issuance is part of exercising national sovereignty. Recently, some appropriate arrangements for issuance of visa have been made with reference to practices of previous hosting countries of the Olympics and other major international sporting events, and in line with China's relevant laws and regulations. Applicants are now required to provide some of the following documents, such as Invitation Letter, Certificate for Relationship, hotel vouchers, onward and return tickets, etc. Compared to most other countries, it is more convenient to get a visa. For example, foreigners are not asked to provide biometric information, and visa is issued in relative short period of time. The current visa arrangements are conducive to creating a safe and comfortable environment for foreign visitors in China. We hope that you can understand.

Third, the Commissioner's Office of the Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong SAR has taken full account of the city's unique status and special situation and adopted all the necessary measures to facilitate visa application of foreign nationals in Hong Kong.

The Commissioner's Office has informed consular missions and the media in Hong Kong of China's current visa arrangements and the way to obtain the detailed information. For the convenience of the public, the latest visa requirements can be found at the website of the Commissioner's Office. (www.fmcoprc.gov.hk)

As for the issuance of multiple-entry visas, the multiple-entry visas are still available for those applicants in need and qualified. Applicants are required to provide the Hong Kong ID card, an original Visa Notification Form issued by the relevant authorities, and supporting documents indicating business relations (such as business licenses, contracts, etc.). Applications will be considered case by case. Our Office provides efficient service, especially "express service", to ensure early issuance for applicants.

Thanks to the collective efforts, the visa service of the Commissioner's Office in Hong Kong remains efficient and convenient. We see several thousands of applicants coming to our Consular Department every day. Our visa officers are working long extra hours every day to ensure that applicants can get visas right in time. If you come and witness how hard they work, you would not leave untouched. Actually, many Consular Missions here have acknowledged our efforts in this regard through various ways, and the media in Hong Kong are increasingly fair and objective in their reporting.

The Commissioner's Office remains committed to contributing to the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and encouraging friendly exchanges between China and other countries.