Beijing: Police checks on foreigner residents' documentation

[bianfuxia]

You may already know this, but my company advised its foreign staff today that police will start visiting foreigners' residences to check their documentation - in Beijing at least. Don't know about elsewhere.

We were reminded to ensure that we have our temporary residence permits, copy of lease agreements, passports etc on us at all times now because the police may visit at any time. (I think copies are ok for outside the house but that is not legal advice)

One colleague was visited at 830 last Sunday morning, for example.

We were also reminded (for the millionth time this month) to tell building management (who then tell the police) every time we come back into the country (even if it is one of the multi-entries on a multi-entry visa). Before, it seemed to be ok just to register each new visa at the police rather than at each entry.

Apologies if you already know all this but I thought "forewarned is forearmed" for those who don't have their papers in order and ready to hand.

I was looking forward to the Olypmics but now I just want it to be over so life returns to normal!

[kdavid]

I don't think the police are planning on visiting our residences. We do, however, all have to go to the police station and have residence information affixed into our passports.

[BrandeX]

This was already done here a couple weeks ago, in Clifford Estates (high foreigner population) Panyu, Guangzhou.

[cdn_in_bj]

I can't say I'm too surprised to hear this, given how strict they've become regarding residence registrations...

[randall_flagg]

Would a foreigner on a Z visa have to register a Chinese friend from another city if this friend is staying at this foreigners house for a couple months?

[roddy]

Technically I think they are meant to register - anyone who doesn't live where their hukou is should have a 暂住证 from the local paichusuo. It's not your responsibility though, it's your friend's. Not sure how important it is, or how seriously the rules are taken.

[liuzhou]

They have just informed me that they are coming after the May 1st holiday to check my adherence to the one child policy! According to the notice, I have to publicly swear that I have no children other than the children I have. I should also grass up the neighbours who have hidden children somewhere else. Given that most of my neighbours are demented "senior citizens" ( that is why I choose to live here - stay with the people you feel closest to), they may be in for a long haul.

I will do my usual and please insanity.

(I would be delighted to tell you that this is joke, but it ain't. They really are coming.)

[cdn_in_bj]

They have just informed me that they are coming after the May 1st holiday to check my adherence to the one child policy!

How did this go??