Officers put duty first for COVID-19 inspections

Immigration police proud to serve on the front line. Yang Zekun reports.

For some immigration police officers, the toughest part of the COVID-19 epidemic is not the hectic work schedule or the greater risk of becoming infected.

Instead, not being around for important occasions while their children are growing up is the main problem. Despite that, they said they are sure they will never find a job that will make them more proud.

Shi Moran, who has worked for the entry-exit border inspection station at a major airport in Qingdao, Shandong province, for 16 years, said sacrificing family time is challenging, but her dedication to work during the epidemic is one of the most satisfying aspects of the job.

"The schedule makes it hard for us to spend time with our families. In June, we started working 24-hour call rotas, seven days in a row. After, we are quarantined at a designated hotel for another seven days, and then we stay home for seven days," the 40-year-old said.

She added that her husband shoulders most of the responsibility for taking care of their children while she is at work, and their parents also provide assistance.

"It often hits me when I video chat with my children and realize that I have missed some important moments during their childhoods. During holidays such as Spring Festival－a time for family reunions－it can be tough for many of us immigration officers when we finish work at about 4 am and think of our families," Shi said.

"However, it makes me proud when I think about how our work is important for border security and protecting people from possible infection. For me, it is an honor to be a part of a group that contributes to ensuring national safety during the epidemic."

Shi's main tasks involve verifying that the information provided by people entering the country via Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport matches their documentation, checking information given by crew members on cargo aircraft and conducting goods inspections.