Because of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the world, China has temporarily suspended the entry into China mainland for by foreigners. It has also decided to suspend the entry for foreign nationals that hold valid visas and residence permits. Also, the entry of APEC Business travel cards will be suspended as well.
All policies that have been in place to issue 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit permits, port visa’s, Hainan 30-day visa-free policy and less controlled entry applications are also suspended until further notice. Only C visa, diplomatic, service and courtesy visa’s are an exemption. Also for necessary trade and economic purposes, there is still a chance to apply for a visa and entry after the restriction measure takes effect.
All these restrictions will be taken in effect from 28th March 0.00 hours. All these restrictions will be taken in effect from 28th March 0.00 hours. We assume that for visa applications after the measure takes effect the government will make the application procedures for visas more strict. To control the people coming into China being healthy and to prevent importing currently infected people with already issued visas.
Why a general suspending of entry to China?
The reason the government is taking these measures is because of the situation that the imported people in the last period have brought Corona infections back into the country. The economy and industries have resumed their operations to an acceptable level. Companies have seen business coming back to normal. Preventing further spread of the Coronavirus is still a priority to make sure that the economy and industries don’t have to be stopped again.
What does this mean for your supply chain?
As you may already have noticed, your supply chain is kind of back on track again. Factories have been allowed to produce again. Besides that we sometimes see difficulties with lead times because of delayed supply chains, the supply chains work and deliver. Planning adjustments can align your supply chain in a way that suits the situation and your company. To make sure this situation can be maintained, we think these measures are needed. Your supply chain will therefore not be affected.
Can I still visit factories in China?
If you are at the moment located in China and stay on a valid visa that allows you to visit factories you can still visit factories. However, we expect difficulties for new visa applications. Which will make it more difficult to enter China for factory visits, the execution of quality inspections audits or hold meetings. Your entry will be rejected.
How long will these temporary measures last?
The suspensions will be temporary. We expect that when the other countries of the world take adequate measures to control and contain the virus spreading, China will be confident enough to ease these measures. However, at the moment we can conclude that the spread of the Coronavirus is rapidly increasing and that fewer governments can control the situation.
How can CIL China help in this situation?
We are positioned in China and therefore in service of your operations in China. We can act as your workers, representatives and right-hand to manage your supply chain within the borders of the Chinese mainland. We believe that we are needed in these times, more than ever. We are in China to execute all work related to your operations in China. Contact us how we can take over the current projects, orders and related work that need to be done. Contact us for more information.