An elderly woman handles her entry-exit applications at a "one-stop" service window at the entry-exit administration office of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province. [Photo/xmnn.cn]
The entry-exit administration office of Xiamen in East China's Fujian province recently introduced nine measures to optimize services for the elderly, Xiamen Daily reported.
The administration has set up a "one-stop" service window specially for the elderly, allowing them to complete all administrative procedures, such as taking photos and having bio-information collected, without making an appointment online in advance or filling in any forms.
A "non-health code" channel has also been established for those who don't have a smart phone but have an ID card. As some seniors cannot speak Putonghua (Mandarin), workers that can speak local dialects will be on hand to translate.
According to the new measures, those aged 60 and above who apply for general passports or travel permits to Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan can use their old ID photos, eliminating the hassle of obtaining new ones.
The administration is also allowing multiple forms of payment, including cash, bank cards, and mobile payment.
Express delivery services will also eliminate the need for senior applicants to go pick up their certificates. In addition, officers will offer door-to-door services to those who struggle to leave their homes.
For those who visit Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan frequently, the re-entry permit can be applied for online and can be handled by family members or friends if the applicants cannot use a smart phone or computer.
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.
