On the same day the broader exit-ban powers kicked in, China introduced another controversial clause: immigration officers may now require “documents, materials and electronic data” to verify a traveller’s identity and reason for travel. The language, reported by ChosunBiz and sourced to Xinhua’s authorised interpretation of the rules, effectively legalises on-the-spot phone and laptop inspections during both entry and departure checks. Officials argue the measure is needed to curb document fraud and espionage, noting a rise in cases where forged invitations or tampered travel histories masked illicit technology transfers. Lawyers, however, say the lack of a warrant requirement blurs the line between customs inspection and digital forensics. “A business traveller could be forced to hand over confidential client files or personal messages with no clear avenue for appeal,” warns Shanghai-based attorney Li Yuchen. The rule applies to foreigners and Chinese nationals alike. Those who refuse or are found to have submitted “false electronic materials” can be denied visas, refused boarding or prohibited from leaving China. Penalties escalate to five-year entry bans for foreign nationals who misrepresent their purpose, a point emphasised in a later briefing by the National Immigration Administration. Multinational companies are updating travel policies to include encrypted devices or “clean-phone” strategies for staff crossing Chinese borders. Mobility teams also recommend separating work and personal accounts and storing sensitive data in the cloud rather than on local drives. For now, compliance advisers suggest rehearsing scripted answers about trip objectives and ensuring that digital files match declared itineraries. “Consistency between what is on the phone and what is on the visa invitation will be critical,” says a senior relocation manager at a European pharma group.
Source: ChosunBiz
