China's public security authorities on Thursday promised to
shorten border check times for passengers arriving for the 2008
Olympics.
"We will ensure 95 percent of passengers complete border
procedures in 25 minutes," said Zhu Jiqing, deputy director of the
Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration with the Ministry of Public
Security.
"We will instruct border check stations to settle all passenger
complaints within 30 days of their being lodged," Zhu said.
Since the reform and opening policy adopted in China, the number
of passengers entering or exiting the country has surged to 318
million in 2006 from 5.7 million in 1978, MPS statistics show.
The rapid increase of passenger traffic poses challenges for our
services, Zhu said.
"We hope through these new measures to improve China's border
check service," she added.
Zhu said the two policies will be implemented "very soon".
China has begun the countdown to the 2008 Olympics and issued
several new policies for the event.
In January, the MPS promised to improve visa application
procedures so foreigners involved in the 2008 Olympics will find it
easier to enter the country.
"Anyone with valid Olympic Identity and Accreditation Cards will
enjoy visa-free entry into China one month before and after the
Olympics," said Li Changyou, deputy director of the Bureau of Exit
and Entry Administration with the Ministry of Public Security.
(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2007)