"There is no change in China's opening-up policy, nor in its visa policy in line with this policy, " says a Chinese Foreign Ministry official in Hong Kong.

Song Ronghua, spokesman of the Office of the Commissioner of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made the remarks in a letter to the South China Morning Post newspaper, which was publicized Wednesday.

Recently, China's visa policy has caused concern in the Hong Kong media and business community, and some people expressed confusion and wrote articles speculating that China has changed its opening-up policy, he says.

"With a view to addressing any misunderstandings, I would like to make some clarification and candidly explain our visa policy and current practices to your readers," Song says.

"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 this policy," he says.

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, he says.

In his keynote speech "Continuing Reform and Opening up and Advancing Win-win Co-operation" at the just-concluded Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan Province, Chinese President Hu Jintao talked at length on China's commitment to reform and opening up and resolving to continue peaceful development, he says.

"The issuing of visas is part of the exercise of national sovereignty," says Song, adding that recently, some appropriate arrangements for issuance of visas 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: an invitation letter, certificate for relationship, hotel vouchers, onward and return tickets.

"Compared with most other countries, it is more convenient to get a Chinese visa," he says, citing the fact that foreigners are not asked to provide biometrics information and a visa is issued in a relatively 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 your readers can understand this," he says.

Song says that the Commissioner's Office has taken full account of Hong Kong's unique status and special situation and has adopted all the necessary measures to facilitate the visa applications 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 detailed information, he says.

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 which applicants are most concerned about, Song says that the Commissioner's Office " continues to issue such visas to those applicants who are indeed in need."

"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," says Song.

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