The Ministry of Public Security is requiring various levels of police departments to curb the surging trend among some Chinese citizens for cross-border gambling.

In a recent circular, the ministry orders local public security departments not to issue tourist exit permits to Chinese citizens who are heading for neighboring countries where local people have set up casinos.

The circular was issued in light of the fact that some overseas gambling dens have reopened and continue to attract Chinese citizens in various ways, Xinhua reported.

"Various levels of local social security departments must adopt more effective measures to prevent overseas gambling venues from establishing agencies in China, under the pretext of being entertainment companies, in order to attract Chinese citizens," the circular said.

Agent organizations set up by foreign gambling houses on the mainland will be closed, according to the circular.

Those responsible for organizing Chinese citizens to go overseas to take part in gambling will be punished according to Chinese laws.

Sources with the ministry also said that they would work together with related departments to enforce the regulations, which forbid companies dispatching employees to overseas gambling and pornography companies.

Employees that have worked at overseas gambling houses will be forbidden to leave China for the next one to five years.

The circular required border inspection checkpoints to strengthen examination at border areas.

"Officials who neglect their duties will be investigated," the circular said.

Guilty officials will be punished in accordance with the law.

(China Daily September 15, 2005)