(Yicai Global) April 29 -- China has set up Belt and Road Initiative security check channels for exit-entry inspection in 12 airports and six land ports for quick inspections of persons and vehicles.

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou are among the airports, and Manzhouli on the Russian border, Erenhot on the Mongolian frontier and Horgos, the main gateway to Kazakhstan, are chief among the land ports, Qu Yunhai, deputy administrator of China's National Immigration Administration, said yesterday, adding the measures were of immediate effect.

The exit and entry administration will offer a 'Green Channel' service for employees of Chinese firms which have participated in BRI construction to apply for passports and other exit-entry documents to help these companies reduce costs and the time needed for them to go global, Qu told a press conference the Ministry of Public Security held in Beijing yesterday.

The headcount of those checked by border inspection authorities nationwide has grown 6.3 percent annually on average since the BRI was initiated in 2013, statistics show. 

Foreigners invited to China for important BRI events, meetings and project construction who cannot get visas because of time constraints can apply for port visas with documentary evidence from Chinese authorities.

Exit and entry administrators can shorten the visa issuance period to five workdays from 15 for foreigners and their families who come to China for key BRI projects and cooperation, Qu stated.

International seamen on BRI marine transport missions who require stay permits when they leave port cities to change transport to leave the country will wait only three workdays now, down from seven, and visas can issue on the day of application to sailors in urgent need.

The ranks of Chinese going abroad and overseas visitors coming to China for BRI construction and cooperation are both rising, Qu noted.

Editor: Ben Armour