China"s Public Security Ministry"s decision to simplify the exit-entry procedures won widespread applause in
Beijing Thursday.
The Ministry of Public Security announced that before the year 2005, Chinese citizens in large and medium-sized cities who want to go abroad will be able to get a passport only by presenting their identity cards and household registration documents to the proper authorities.
This is one of six major reform measures announced Thursday afternoon at a national meeting on exit-entry administration. The reform measures will greatly simplify procedures in this regard.
Currently, a Chinese citizen must go through complicated formalities in applying for a passport, including getting approval from his or her work unit, and producing household registration documents and other identification materials.
The measures are viewed as an important step for Chinese people to further join the international community.
"This is an irreversible trend," said Meng Yanhong, a leading historian, who noted that if China"s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) is considered as a milestone for its reform and opening up, such measures could be viewed as "natural outcomes" of the drive.
Not long ago, some provinces in the country including Hubei, Hebei and Henan decided to reform the household registration system, permitting rural the population to move freely into cities.
Before 1978, when China started its reform and opening up policy, natural population mobility was prohibited and a person who wanted to move his or her domicile needed approval and certification from the local authorities.
Two decades later, sharp changes have taken place in China.
Since its formal admission to the WTO on November 10, the Chinese economy has started to accelerate its pace in embracing the global economy, and China not only needs overseas talent to come in, but also encourages its citizens to go overseas.
Therefore, some experts view, such measures will exactly serve this purpose. Moreover, the measures have borrowed the international practice of providing high-level foreign talent and big investors with permanent right of stay.
"China"s entry into the WTO will ensure the country participate in international cooperation in a more comprehensive manner, while these measures will deepen the reforms and serve the economic construction," said Public Security Minister Jia Chunwang.
Simplifying exit-entry procedures has demonstrated the " confidence" of the country.
Its robust economy has helped China to open its doors for its own people just as it promised to open its market to the outside world when it joined the WTO. (xinhua)
