China has recently implemented new restrictions on overseas travel for its citizens, introducing exit bans for individuals who violate export control laws or technology transfer regulations. These rules, which took effect on Tuesday, empower authorities to prevent citizens from leaving the country if their actions are deemed potentially harmful to national industrial and technological security, without specifying a maximum duration for such bans.
According to authorities, these measures are in response to instances where citizens unlawfully transferred technology abroad after leaving the country without authorization. The Chinese government argues that these tighter controls are necessary to protect technical knowledge, although exit bans on national security grounds were already possible beforehand.
Additionally, the regulation allows for exit bans of six months to three years for citizens who are considered to have jeopardized China’s national security or interests while abroad. Officials claim these measures are aimed at combating illegal activities, such as cross-border fraud and gambling. However, critics argue that these changes reflect an expansion of state control over citizens’ freedom of movement.
The regulation, consisting of 19 articles, also outlines rules regarding entry into China for foreigners. Those who submit false information on visa applications may face entry bans ranging from one to five years.
