State Council Names New Deputy Chief at National Immigration Administration

China’s cabinet has reshuffled senior ranks at the country’s immigration authority just weeks before the peak Labour Day travel rush. A notice carried by Xinhua on 21 April confirms that Chi Jingyang, a seasoned border-police commander, has been appointed vice-director of the National Immigration Administration (NIA), replacing Zhang Yong, who was relieved of his duties. The move follows the earlier elevation of NIA director Xu Ganlu to Minister of Public Security, signalling Beijing’s intent to align immigration control more closely with internal security priorities. Chi’s résumé points to continuity on facilitation paired with tougher enforcement. As head of Guangdong Border Police (2021-25) he oversaw the pilot of the 30-day visa-free entry scheme for European visitors and introduced the ‘30-minute max’ queue pledge that is now standard nationwide. Simultaneously, Guangdong recorded the largest year-on-year decline in ‘three-non’ foreigners (illegal entry, stay, work) after a province-wide biometric sweep. Industry watchers expect the new leadership to accelerate digital transformation.



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The arrival-card e-filing system rolled out last November covers 80 percent of airports but just 35 percent of land ports; extending it to high-volume crossings such as Shenzhen’s Futian Checkpoint could ease congestion during holidays. Corporate mobility managers should monitor potential policy circulars on expanded Automated Passenger Clearance (APC) eligibility for foreign frequent-flyers—a measure flagged by the NIA last quarter but still awaiting formal launch. For employers relocating expatriates to China, leadership change usually presages tweaks to document requirements rather than wholesale reforms. However, past personnel shifts have coincided with blitz campaigns targeting overstays. HR teams are advised to audit visa expiry tracking and ensure de-registration on departure, especially for staff who shuttle between Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau under multiple permits.