China Tightens Travel Restrictions for Citizens
New rules allow authorities to bar some citizens from leaving China over national security, technology and other concerns.
- New exit restrictions take effect
- Citizens face bans over security concerns
- Critics warn of tighter government control
China has introduced new travel rules that give authorities greater powers to restrict citizens from leaving the country, amid growing concerns over government control of overseas activities.
Under the new regulations, Chinese citizens who are deemed to have harmed the country’s national security or interests while abroad can be barred from leaving China for up to three years after returning.
Those who violate technology import and export regulations that could endanger national industrial or technological security may also face exit bans.
Chinese authorities insist the measures are intended to safeguard national sovereignty and security and do not restrict the travel of ordinary citizens.
However, critics argue that the rules could increase Beijing’s ability to control and punish citizens for their activities and views while overseas.
The new regulations also require border officials to advise Chinese nationals against travelling to countries and regions classified as high-risk.
The measures come amid reports that some Chinese citizens, civil servants and employees of state-owned enterprises have already faced restrictions on obtaining passports or travelling abroad.
According to data provided to the BBC by rights group Safeguard Defenders, cases involving exit bans in China have increased significantly in recent years.
