The National Immigration Administration recently organized a press conference to release a report on the main data and achievements in immigration management in the first six months of 2023.

In the first six months of 2023, the immigration management authorities in China strictly followed the guidance specified in the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and implemented the principles concluded in the 20th CPC National Congress to steadily promote thematic education tasks concerning the implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era ("thematic education tasks" for short), effectively play a vital role in immigration management, and actively support the Party and country's major strategies. In the past six months, the immigration management authorities focused on strengthening immigration management service reform and policy and system innovation to enhance the efficiency of government services in immigration management and spared no effort to prevent potential risks, ensure safety and security, maintain stability and facilitate development. Consequently, the immigration management authorities in China have significantly upheld national political security, border security and stability, and maintained the proper order of entry-exit management.

In the first six months of 2023, the immigration management authorities in China inspected a total of 168 million inbound and outbound tourists, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 169.6 percent, which is 48.8 percent of the same period in 2019. This involved 80.276 million Chinese mainland residents, 74.903 million residents from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan of the People's Republic of China, as well as 8.438 million foreign nationals (excluding border residents). Furthermore, the immigration management authorities in China inspected a total of 9.831 million vehicles of transportation (ships, trains, and cars), marking a year-on-year growth of 119.2 percent, which accounts for 53.8 percent of the same period in 2019. These figures encompassed 204,000 flights, 191,000 ships, 44,000 trains, and 9.392 million vehicles. The immigration management authorities in China issued over 10 million ordinary passports, a year-on-year increase of 2,647.5 percent and 68.2 percent of the same period in 2019. The immigration management authorities in China issued 42.798 million entry-exit permits for travel between Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan of the People's Republic of China, recording a year-on-year increase of 1,509 percent and representing 96.5 percent of the same period in 2019. Additionally, the authorities processed 379,000 stay or residence permits for foreign nationals in China. The figure indicates a year-on-year increase of 53.4 percent and 86.7 percent compared to the same period in 2019. Our 12367 service platform for government affairs in immigration management has received over 3.38 million calls worldwide, involving over 100 countries and regions globally, with a satisfaction rate of 98.2 percent.

In the first six months of 2023, the immigration management authorities in China spearheaded the rigorous 2023 "Menglie" campaign, effectively combating crimes that posed a threat to border management. They continuously cracked down on cross-border criminal activities and strengthened the regulation of foreign nationals who illegally entered, resided or worked in China. Notably, a total of 16,000 criminal cases endangering border management were investigated, leading to the arrest of 32,000 suspects. Coercive measures were implemented against over 28,000 individuals involved in criminal acts, while 3,704 individuals were subject to administrative investigation and punishment. Additionally, the authorities identified and apprehended 32,400 foreign nationals who illegally entered, resided, or worked in China, with 13,600 of them being deported according to related legal regulations. Furthermore, 330 transit locations for illegal activities were discovered and dismantled, and 1,389 vehicles (including ships) related to criminal cases were seized. The immigration management authorities in China also investigated and addressed 375 drug-related cases, involving a total of 547 individuals. Among these cases, 112 involved drug quantities exceeding 10,000 grams. Notably, the seizure of 5.17 tons of various drugs and 751.72 tons of drug-making materials was achieved. The immigration management authorities in China also took proactive measures against the illegal activities concerning firearms, ammunition, explosives and smuggling at the border area. This led to the seizure of 670 firearms, 26,000 bullets, 100 grenades, and smuggled goods valued at CNY 221 million, effectively ensuring the security and stability of state borders and maintaining orderly entry-exit management.

According to Zhang Ning, spokesperson of the National Immigration Administration and deputy director-general of the Department of General Affairs, since the transition of COVID-19 management from Class A to Class B at the beginning of 2023, the National Immigration Administration has steadfastly implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee. It has actively addressed the regular entry-exit requirements of the general public and continuously advanced the reform and innovation of immigration management. In this regard, the immigration management authorities in China have fully reinstated immigration management policies and measures that were carried out before the pandemic, including handling applications for entry-exit certificates nationwide, issuing port visas, and ensuring efficient customs clearance for border inspections. Moreover, 61 land ports in border areas have witnessed a systematic resumption of passenger transportation. These efforts have significantly contributed to promoting a high level of openness and driving high-quality development while ensuring the stability of the supply chain. In the future, the National Immigration Administration will intensify research and rectification through the implementation of thematic education tasks, open "green channels", and enhance online services such as appointments and inquiries for immigration management. The immigration management authorities will continuously launch a range of convenient policies and measures to facilitate the entry-exit certification process for the general public and actively promote and ensure the smooth exchanges between Chinese and foreign (overseas) individuals. The authorities will also prioritize efficient customs clearance at ports and effectively implement the outcomes of thematic education tasks to enhance people's overall sense of gain, happiness, and satisfaction.