Original title: Since this year, the personnel exchanges between China and France have increased by more than 200% year on year

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, May 1 (Reporter Ren Qinqin) "China's immigration management service has always been very efficient. After the implementation of the visa free policy, it is more convenient to enter China." On April 30, at Nanjing Lukou Airport, French passenger Sahut Anthony said.

Reporters learned from the National Migration Administration on May 1 that since January 1, 2024, French nationals have entered China 104000 times, an increase of 294.71% over the same period in 2023, mainly for business, tourism and visiting relatives and friends; 130000 Chinese mainland residents went abroad to France, an increase of 215.28% over the same period in 2023. The main reasons for going abroad were tourism and business.

According to the relevant person in charge of the National Migration Administration, since China implemented a unilateral visa free policy against France on December 1, 2023, 74000 people with French ordinary passports had entered China without visa as of April 30, accounting for 59.63% of the total number of French nationals. The main reasons for visa free entry of French nationals are business and tourism, accounting for 79.6% of the total visa free entry of French nationals.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the year of Sino French cultural tourism. Enthusiastic personnel exchanges between China and France have not only enhanced mutual understanding between the two peoples, but also promoted people to people and cultural exchanges between the two peoples. At airports such as Guangzhou, Chongqing, Nanjing, and Beijing, inbound and outbound passengers from China and France who traveled in both directions expressed their appreciation for their foreign trips.

"The visa free policy is very practical and friendly, and I had hoped for such an opportunity a few years ago." On April 29, Doray, a French tourist who came to China through the visa free entry policy, said at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport that Chinese food is attractive, culture is profound, and scenic spots and people are beautiful.

Ms. Lu and her husband, who are about to leave Beijing Capital Airport for France for their honeymoon, are full of expectations for their trip to France. "I hope to reap different happiness in a romantic country."

In order to better promote the exchanges, cooperation and exchanges between Chinese and foreign personnel, the National Immigration Administration has successively introduced, adjusted and optimized a series of measures to facilitate foreign personnel to come to China and provide services to ensure the entry and exit of Chinese citizens. At the same time, it has deployed the national border inspection authorities to prepare sufficient police forces on duty at each port site and open sufficient inspection channels to ensure efficient and smooth customs clearance at ports, We will make every effort to serve high-level, open and high-quality development.