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A series of preferential policies and measures will be introduced to support the development of the Hainan pilot free trade zone and of Hainan as a free trade port with Chinese characteristics, according to a press conference held by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on July 3rd, 2019.

The preferential policies and measures will focus on three industrial types — high-tech, tourism, and modern services, including the following:

Visa-free policy:

– Expand channels of visa-free entry; allow foreigners who meet visa-free requirements to receive visa-free entry through self-declaration or invitation by their work units;

– Expand scope of visa-free entry purposes, with foreigners to be allowed to enter Hainan visa-free for business, visits, relative visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, sports, and/or other purposes;

– Foreign tourists from 59 countries may be allowed to stay for more than 30 days without a visa;;

– Assess and adjust the list of eligible countries included in Hainan’s 30-day visa-free travel entry policy.

Talent-attraction policy:

– For foreign senior managerial personnel introduced into Hainan and for foreigners who have worked or invested in Hainan for a long period of time, arrangements will be made to help them apply for port-entry visas, long-term visas, residence permits, or permanent residence permits in Hainan;

– Foreign technical and skilled personnel employed in Hainan may be granted work residence permits with periods of validity consistent with their work contracts;

– Arrangements will be made to facilitate foreign students with master’s degrees or above from Chinese higher education institutions to apply for residence permits in Hainan if they are engaged in innovative activities or starting businesses;

– Foreign students from overseas colleges and universities are allowed to serve as interns in Hainan;

– An immigration service center will be established to provide “one-stop” services for foreigners working and living in Hainan.

Entry/exit procedures 

– 15-day visa-free entry policy for foreign cruise passengers traveling in groups;

– Arrangements will be made to ease entry/exit procedures, cruising, and berthing of yachts from Hong Kong and Macao in Hainan;

– Arrangements will also be made to help foreign patients and their accompanying family members who receive treatment in Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone to apply for visas or residence permits.

The MPS also unveiled measures to help people from overseas to drive vehicles in Hainan.