State Council Decree No. 841 | Effective September 15, 2026
The State Council of the People’s Republic of China has issued the Regulations on Exit and Entry Administration (State Council Decree No. 841), which will take effect on September 15, 2026.
The new Regulations establish a more comprehensive legal framework governing the administration of Chinese citizens’ outbound travel, foreign nationals entering and staying in China, and the regulation of immigration service providers. While the Regulations do not fundamentally change China’s existing immigration framework, they introduce enhanced compliance requirements, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and greater accountability for applicants, sponsors, and immigration intermediaries.
Below are the key developments that employers, foreign nationals, and business travelers should be aware of.
Key Highlights
1. Stronger Verification of Immigration Applications
The Regulations reaffirm that all applications for visas, entry, stay, and residence in China must be based on genuine and lawful purposes.
Immigration and visa authorities are expressly authorized to:
- Verify applicants’ identities and travel purposes
- Request supporting documents and electronic information
- Conduct additional reviews where necessary.
Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is complete, accurate, and fully consistent throughout the application process.
2. Increased Responsibilities for Sponsors and Invitation Letter Issuers
Organizations and individuals issuing invitation letters or supporting documents now bear explicit legal responsibility for the authenticity of the information provided.
Submitting inaccurate or fabricated invitation materials may result in administrative penalties and could affect future immigration applications.
Employers are therefore encouraged to establish appropriate internal review procedures before issuing invitation documents for foreign employees, visitors, or business partners.
3. Tougher Penalties for Fraud and Misrepresentation
The Regulations significantly strengthen enforcement against immigration fraud.
Examples include:
- Submission of false documents
- False declarations during visa applications
- Fraudulent acquisition of immigration documents
Depending on the circumstances, foreign nationals may be refused visas or entry and may face entry bans ranging from one to five years.
Chinese citizens who illegally obtain travel documents or engage in illegal exit or entry activities may also face temporary exit restrictions.
4. Enhanced Administration of Immigration Service Providers
For the first time, China establishes a nationwide filing and regulatory framework for organizations providing immigration consulting and document processing services.
Immigration service providers are required to:
- Complete official filing procedures
- Maintain internal compliance systems
- Ensure professional staff qualifications
- Protect clients’ personal information
Authorities will strengthen supervision and may impose administrative penalties, suspend business operations, or revoke licences for serious violations.
5. Risk-Based Exit Reminders for Chinese Citizens
China will further strengthen overseas travel risk management.
Based on security assessments issued by relevant government authorities, immigration authorities may:
- Remind travelers of overseas security risks
- Issue safety warnings
- Where necessary, discourage travel to areas experiencing armed conflict or other serious security threats.
These measures are intended to enhance the protection of Chinese citizens travelling abroad.
Practical Considerations for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Although the Regulations do not fundamentally alter China’s existing visa categories or residence permit framework, they signal a continued emphasis on compliance, document authenticity, and regulatory oversight.
Employers are encouraged to:
- Verify all supporting documents before submission
- Ensure invitation letters accurately reflect the intended purpose of travel
- Retain complete supporting records
- Engage qualified and compliant immigration service providers
- Monitor ongoing immigration compliance for foreign employees.
Foreign nationals should:
- Ensure that all information submitted to Chinese authorities is truthful and consistent
- Comply with visa conditions and residence requirements
- Avoid using unofficial agents or submitting inaccurate documentation.
Looking Ahead
While State Council Decree No. 841 establishes China’s new regulatory framework for exit and entry administration, detailed implementation measures and supporting guidance at both the national and local levels have yet to be released. Given that practical implementation may vary across different provinces and municipalities, employers and foreign nationals should continue to monitor local compliance requirements.
Our team is closely monitoring further regulatory developments, including national implementation rules, local guidance, and practical enforcement updates. We will continue to provide updates on any significant changes that may affect immigration compliance and global mobility in China.
Should you have any questions regarding the new Regulations or their potential impact on your business or employees in China, please do not hesitate to contact us.
This alert is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact Newland Chase directly for case-specific guidance.
