The major statistics regarding the immigration administration in the first quarter of 2024 were released during a press conference launched by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on April 18. During the first quarter of this year, the immigration administration authorities in China inspected a total of 141 million travelers entering or exiting the Chinese mainland, marking a year-on-year rise by 117.8 percent. These included 69.541 million residents from the Chinese mainland, 59.115 million residents from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and the Taiwan region, and 13.074 million foreign nationals, reflecting year-on-year increases by 114.9 percent, 100.4 percent, and 305.2 percent respectively. In addition, the immigration administration authorities nationwide inspected a total of 7.353 million vehicles of transportation (planes, trains, ships, and motor vehicles), marking a year-on-year growth by 78.3 percent. These encompassed 194,000 flights, 24,000 trains, 102,000 ships, and 7.033 million motor vehicles, indicating year-on-year increases by 158.6 percent, 14.2 percent, 15.9 percent, and 78.5 percent respectively.

During the first quarter, the immigration administration authorities nationwide investigated over 10,000 criminal cases that hindered frontier (border) management, leading to the arrest of over 14,000 suspects. Coercive measures were taken against over 12,000 of those apprehended. Furthermore, 1,785 individuals were subject to administrative investigations and penalties. The relevant authorities also detected and dismantled 213 criminal organizations and 53 transit sites, along with 377 vehicles related to criminal cases being seized. The authorities lawfully investigated and punished 23,000 foreign nationals who had entered, resided, or worked in China illegally. Punishments such as warnings, fines, administrative detention, or deportation within specific periods were conducted under the relevant laws and regulations. Specifically, 4,551 individuals who fulfilled the legal conditions were deported. A total of 200 drug-related cases were investigated and addressed, involving a total of 256 individuals. Among these cases, 38 involved drug quantities exceeding 10,000 grams. Notably, 2.5 tons of various drugs and 135.6 tons of drug-making materials were seized. In addition, the relevant authorities took measures against illegal activities concerning firearms and smuggling, seizing 265 firearms and smuggled goods valued at CNY 110 million.

During the first quarter, NIA implemented a range of new policies and measures regarding exit-entry services. Policies related to visa exemptions for regional entry and transit, as well as port visas, were refined. Five initiatives to help ease the entry of foreign nationals into China were also introduced. The scope of the reasons for visa-free entry into Hainan Province was broadened for citizens of several countries. Fujian Province received support to develop a demonstration zone for integrated cross-strait growth. The Personal Travel Endorsements were also issued to eligible individuals in Xi'an and Qingdao for those traveling to and from Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR, reflecting a robust enhancement in government services related to immigration administration. As for other statistics, 6.357 million regular passports, 24.987 million travel endorsements for trips to and from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and the Taiwan region, and 724,000 Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents were issued, representing year-on-year increases by 24.1 percent, 30.5 percent, and 19.9 percent respectively. Additionally, a total of 466,000 visas were issued for foreign nationals, marking a 118.8-percent rise from the previous year. The number of the foreign nationals entering into the Chinese mainland also surged by 266.1 percent year-on-year to 1.988 million. Also, the 12367 service platform of NIA received 1.335 million inquiries, suggestions, and feedback from Chinese and foreign nationals through phone calls, achieving an average satisfaction rate of 99.2 percent.