The Chinese Government promulgated a new exit-and-entry regulation on July 22 that is intended to standardize the issuance of visas for foreigners, as well as related services and management.

The 39-article regulation will take effect on September 1, replacing the previous regulation promulgated in December 1986.

Based on one's purpose of entry, the regulation categorizes ordinary visas into 12 types, with the new R-visa to be issued to high-level foreign professionals.

Another new visa type, the Q-visa, is introduced for foreigners who come to China to visit relatives.

According to the regulation, financial, educational, medical and telecommunications institutions, when necessary, can verify foreigners' identities with the exit-entry management agencies of local public security organs.

The regulation is also designed to address illegal entry, residence and employment in line with the exit-entry law.