The National Immigration Administration has rolled out special measures to facilitate foreigners' stay in China as well as their arrivals and departures amid the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak.
With no need of a separate application, foreigners in China will have their stay or residence permits extended automatically for two months during the epidemic period, Liu Haitao, an official with the administration, said at a press conference in Beijing on March 1.
Immigration offices nationwide will issue urgent exit and entry permits within 24 hours for those coming to China for anti-COVID-19 missions, including medical assistance, drug development and academic exchanges, Liu said.
They could also apply for a special visa at Chinese ports of entry if their journey is made on too short a notice, he added.
Like Chinese citizens, foreign residents in China can file applications online and have documents delivered to their homes after the issuance, Liu said.