Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that China restricts international travel by confiscating passports from teachers, students, and bank employees to prevent studying abroad or immigration before summer.
According to the report, numerous social media posts indicate that individuals in China have been asked to surrender their passports or apply for exit permits. Also, various educational institutions across China have posted notices restricting international travel.
Last month, a notice in one district stated, “The education authorities have instructed all staff to submit their passports to the school’s Communist Party office.” This office is part of the Chinese Communist Party’s latest efforts to control universities directly.
A citizen journalist on X posted a notice stating that “the Party office will compile a list, and the personnel department of the local education authority will maintain the information.” He also shared a template document that individuals must complete before applying for a passport. This document requires approval from the applicant’s employer.
Restrictions on overseas travel in China became common during the pandemic. The Chinese administration has long issued travel bans despite opposition from human rights activists. However, the ban intensified after a surge in immigration searches during the three years of the “zero COVID” policy.
However, even after the COVID-19 restriction was lifted, effective travel bans continued in China. According to RFA, this has been affecting the education and banking industries. Veteran rights activist and former teacher He Peirong stated, “These restrictions are aimed at parents who want to send their children abroad for education as a first step before the whole family moves.” This is common as families often immigrate once their children become familiar with the foreign country.
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