The foreign affairs office of Xiamen, Fujian province (XMFAO) announced on July 10 that it would no longer offer visa notification letters to high-end foreign workers.
After discussing the matter with the city's public security bureau, science and technology bureau, and the office for the evaluation of the city’s honorary citizens, XMFAO decided that high-end foreign workers in the A category can now apply for a residence permit with the A-category foreigners’ work permit issued by the science and technology bureau.
In addition, expats named "Xiamen honorary citizens" can apply for long-term multiple-entry visas using company invitation letters or certificates issued by the office for the evaluation of the city's honorary citizens.
The move is in response to the central government's call for streamlining administrative procedures, delegating powers, and improving regulations and services in an effort to make life more convenient for expats in Xiamen.
Meanwhile, XMFAO will not entrust the science and technology bureau to issue visa notification letters for overseas high-end workers starting July 10.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
