Photo: People queue at the exit-entry section of the Municipal Public Security Bureau in Beijing
Source: Global Times

May 21, 2013
Translated By Zhu Na

Earlier this month, the Legislative Affairs Office of China's State Council released the full text of draft regulations related to the management of visas for foreigners in China. In total there are 61 articles in the draft. The regulations will be implemented under the Exit and Entry Administration Law (中华人民共和国出境入境管理法), which was adopted by the National People's Congress last June and will take effect in July 2013.

The new Exit and Entry Administration Law was adopted in order to curb the illegal entry, stay and employment of foreigners in China. During the three readings of the draft law, a vice minister of Public Security told delegates to the NPC's Standing Committee that the number of foreigners employed in China rose from 74,000 in 2000 to 220,000 by the end of 2011. The official also said that in 2011, police investigated more than 20,000 incidents in which foreigners illegally entered, lived or worked in China.

Though there doesn't appear to be an English version of the regulations, You can find a translation of the draft regulations over at the U.S. and China Visa Law Blog (thanks to commentator below for pointing us in the right direction) and media reports have covered some of the main features of the new rules:

~ Some Foreigners will be eligible for a new "foreign professional" visa which will be valid for up to five years.
~ Visa management bureaus and entry-and-exit management bureaus under public security departments can keep fingerprints of foreigners who enter China.
~ The current 'F' visa for business use will be moved to a new \'M\' category.

If you want to share your thoughts on the new rules, the State Council is calling for feeback from the public.

You can find a copy of the "Foreigners Entry and Exit Management Ordinance" (draft) in Chinese here.

You can share your thoughts by registering an account on their website here.

Alternatively, you can also send your comments by e-mail to wgrrjcj@chinalaw.gov.cn

They also accept feedback through the post. Send a letter to

Mail Box 2067
Beijing
100035

北京市2067信箱（邮政编码：100035）

With the phrase "Foreigners Entry and Exit Management Regulations Seeking Feedback" (外国人入境出境管理条例征求意见) included on the envelope.

The State Council has set a June 3 deadline for receiving feedback.

Links and Sources
Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council:国务院法制办公布外国人入境出境管理条例征求意见稿
NPC:New law targets foreigners\' illegal presence