Shandong has seen a 24% year-on-year increase in the issuance of exit-entry ...

On December 27, the Information Office of theShandong Provincial Government held a press conference to unveil recent reforms in exit-entry services by the province's public security authorities.

Ms.Zhang Qingqing, Director of the Exit-Entry Administration Division of the Shandong Provincial Public Security Department, detailed how these measures aim to provide individuals and businesses with faster, more convenient, and high-quality services, fostering greater international mobility and collaboration.

Innovative Reforms for Enhanced Convenience

Shandong has rolled out several innovative measures, with support from the National Immigration Administration, to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens:

1. Fully Online Renewals and Replacements for Exit-Entry Documents:

A pilot program in Jinan and Qingdao enables residents to renew or replace damaged, lost, or expiring documents entirely online. Previously, applicants had to visit service counters in person, but now eligible individuals can complete the process remotely, with“zero physical visits.” This significant reform has been widely lauded as a “game-changing policy”forresidents.

2. Qingdaogranted as an Individual Travel Permit City for Hong Kong and Macau:

Qingdao has been designated as a mainland city that is eligible for individual travel permits to Hong Kong and Macau. Residents can now apply for personal travel permits at any exit-entry service counter or smart device in the city, without requiring participation in travel agency-organized group tours.

3. Nationwide Smart Processing for Business Travel Endorsements:

Shandong residents with valid Hong Kong and Macau travel permits can now apply for business travel endorsements at any smart exit-entry service device across the country. This reform allows for “instant application and same-day issuance”, making the process faster and more convenient.

These measures have driven a 24% year-on-year increase in the issuance of exit-entry documents, significantly boosting international travel and cooperation opportunities for Shandong residents.

Improved Service Quality

To meet growing demand and further enhance user experience, Shandong has implemented key upgrades in exit-entry services, aligning with the provincial “Four Reductions and One Increase” initiative:

• Shorter Processing Times and Lower Costs:

The issuance time for ordinary passports and other exit-entry documents has been reduced from 15 working days to 7 working days, and fees have been lowered by 40%.

• Simplified Application Procedures:

Residents applying for multiple documents simultaneously now need to fill out only one application form. Materials that can be verified through information-sharing platforms no longer require submission, reducing paperwork and administrative hassle.

• Additional Convenience Measures:

New services include diversified payment options, a “multi-shot and best-choice” feature for document photos, and free document mailing for residents aged 65 and above. Service counters now offer no lunch hours, evening services, assigned student-only counters, and weekend processing, further increasing accessibility.

For enterprises participating in major projects, such as the Belt and Road, expedited “green channel” services have been introduced for urgent document processing. These reforms have received positive feedback from businesses and individuals.

Upgraded Hotline Services

To improve communication and accessibility, Shandong has launched the “12367 Exit-Entry Hotline,” a 24/7 service offering multilingual support in Chinese, English, Russian, Japanese, and Korean. A single hotline has replaced multiple numbers, simplifying access and resolving past issues.

In addition, Shandong is the first province in the country to launch a “self-service application status inquiry” feature, allowing residents to track the progress of their applications in real-time.

Driving International Mobility and Development

Shandong's comprehensive reforms set a new benchmark for efficient and accessible exit-entry services. By embracing innovation and streamlining procedures, the province has not only enhanced the ease of international travel but also strengthened its position as a leader in global engagement and high-quality economic development.

Hanmeng, Ning Jia for Shandian News