Win-win approach to entry and exit

Since China's top legislature passed a new exit and entry law on June 30, which stipulates harsher punishments for illegal entry, stay or employment of foreigners, there is a growing concern among the expat community whether an "anti-foreigner" sentiment is spreading. Such worries are unfounded. However, the Chinese authorities should try to make the visa-related procedures more convenient.

The "three illegals" as they are known - the illegal entry, illegal stay (including non-registration of address and exceeding visa validity) and illegal work (including business activities and working without an appropriate visa) - have become a hot topic since Beijing launched a clampdown campaign in May.

In the past couple of months, there have been reports in the media of both criminal and offensive behavior by foreign individuals and suggestions that Westerners are in danger of being attacked by locals. Yet the truth is locals and foreigners in general live harmoniously together.