
1- Centralizes the management of affairs concerning business trips to overseas countries in Xiamen;
2- Reviews and approves official overseas (border) matters;
3- Issues and manages passports for personnel traveling abroad on official business;
4- Handles the approval, certification, and endorsement of personnel on official visits to Hong Kong and Macao;
5- Manages the application (or agency processing) of visas for personnel traveling abroad on official business;
6- Approves the invitation of foreign government officials at or above the vice-ministerial level to visit Xiamen;
7- Examines and issues the Confirmation Letter of Invitation and Invitation Letter required when inviting foreigners to Xiamen;
8- Handles visa extension and residence permits for foreigners with diplomatic or service passports who perform official businesses in Xiamen;
9- Approves the organization of international conferences in Xiamen;
10- Applies for the APEC Business Travel Card.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Dec 1, allowing Chinese nationals to enter Russia visa-free for tourism or business purposes for a period not exceeding 30 days, based on the principle of reciprocity.
The National Immigration Administration's online arrival card system for international travelers took effect on Nov 20, when Xiamen Port greeted the first group of foreign travelers utilizing the system.