China Imposes 3-Year Exit Bans for Security, Tech Violations as New Travel Rules Take Effect
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Sep 15
China Imposes 3-Year Exit Bans for Security, Tech Violations as New Travel Rules Take Effect
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Sep 15
Summary
Tuesday's rules let China bar citizens from leaving for up to three years after returning if authorities say they harmed national security or interests abroad, and also restrict those accused of violating tech import-export controls.
Border officials must also warn travelers away from destinations deemed high-risk; Beijing says the measures protect sovereignty and prevent scams, illegal gambling and other overseas abuses rather than limit ordinary travel.
Critics say the changes formalize powers already used opaquely, with some citizens learning of exit controls only when applying for passports or trying to depart and often receiving no written explanation.
Cases cited by BBC Chinese include a 26-year-old who said his passport was denied after joining Hong Kong's 2019 protests and a 32-year-old state-finance worker who said staff must surrender passports and avoid countries such as Japan.
The regulation, promulgated by Premier Li Qiang and effective Sept. 15, broadens security-based scrutiny of mobility and, analysts say, deepens Xi Jinping's ideological control over overseas activity.