Suzhou Police Void Certain Foreign Residence Permits, Give 10-Day Deadline for Rectification

Suzhou Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Administration issued an extraordinary bulletin on 13 October announcing that the residence permits of three Japanese nationals will be declared null and void unless holders report within ten days for replacement or cancellation. Citing Articles 33 and 67 of China’s Exit-Entry Administration Law, officials warned that failure to comply will render the documents invalid from 23 October, exposing bearers to penalties or removal. While the notice lists only three individuals, lawyers say it is rare for local authorities to publish names, passport numbers and permit details so openly—signalling a tougher stance on dormant or misused residence documents. The move follows a September nationwide campaign targeting illegal employment and overstays ahead of next year’s tightened immigration regulations. Foreign companies employing expatriates in Suzhou’s massive manufacturing hub should urgently verify that staff residence permits remain current, that passports carry at least six months’ validity, and that any job-description or employer changes are filed with the bureau. Failure to update details can prompt cancellation, fines up to ¥10,000, or detention under Article 78. Mobility professionals are advised to schedule immediate compliance audits and keep digital copies of all permit data. Affected employees should bring original passports, labour contracts and updated company letters when visiting the Suzhou Exit-Entry counter to avoid inadvertent invalidation.