The number of expats in China has soared in the lead-up to the Olympics. But with the Games set to begin a month from tomorrow, the question is: Is it true that what goes up must – or at least, in this case, will – come down?

Beijing especially has been buzzing with anticipation of a mass exodus of foreigners after the Games.

(Photo Source: China Daily)

But will this mad rush to the airport become a post-Olympic reality?

Lindsay Oliver Klump, who heads talent and organizational consulting analytics for internationally leading human resources firm Hewitt Associates, doesn't believe so.

"The number of expats has been increasing in China over the years, and I suspect this trend will only continue," she says.

By now, most expats in the country have taken note that – in a largely unexpected twist – a flight of foreigners has taken place before, rather than after, the Games, due to a recent tightening of visa restrictions.