7 Foreigners Denied Entry for suspected Visa Violation

Due to suspected visa violations, the border denied entry to seven foreign nationals.

On June 15, in Yunnan, the Hekou Border Checkpoint of the Yunnan Border Inspection Station detained seven foreign nationals during a routine inspection at the Hekou (Highway) Port of Entrance. 

The detention was due to the fact that the foreign nationals' visas did not correspond to their stated entry purposes.

The seven individuals, each of whom possessed a single-entry 15-day Chinese tourist visa and an ordinary foreign passport, asserted that they were members of a border tourism group.

Nevertheless, the tour guide clarified that these travelers were not members of the tour group, which led to a further investigation by immigration officers. Discrepancies thus arose.

After conducting a thorough questionnaire, we discovered that the seven individuals intended to travel to Kunming after entering China. 

None were able to furnish specific information regarding their travel itinerary. 

Moreover, we found that none of them had any cash, and a foreign national within the group had organised group conversations on their mobile devices. 

These chats contained images of visas and documents. 

A subsequent investigation revealed suspicions that two of the individuals were attempting to secure illegal employment in China.

As a result of these findings, the Hekou Border Checkpoint denied entry to the seven travellers and revoked their visas in accordance with Articles 25 and 67 of the People's Republic of China Exit and Entrance Administration Law. 

We have informed relevant authorities about additional parties involved so they can conduct further investigations.

Legal Background

The Exit and Entry Administration Law's Article 25 forbids foreign nationals from entering the country if they

1. Refuse to submit to border inspection or maintain valid exit and entry documents.

2. Be subject to the conditions listed in Article 21, clauses 1 to 4.

3. After entering, they may engage in activities not allowed by their visa.

Other laws and administrative regulations prohibit their entry.

Authorities conducting border inspections are not required to justify the entry denials.

Article 67 empowers the issuing authority to declare a visa or residence permit null and invalid in the event of damage, loss, theft, or issuance to an ineligible individual. Public security organisations may annul or confiscate documents obtained fraudulently, altered, or forged.

Article 80 stipulates that foreign nationals engaged in unlawful employment face penalties ranging from RMB 5,000 to RMB 20,000. 

Severe cases may result in detention and additional fines. Employers and facilitators of illegal employment are also subject to substantial penalties and sanctions.