Visa ComplicationsThe talking point around the ex-pats circles in Yiwu over the past few months has been the visa restrictions for foreigners here in the lead-up to the Olympic Games. Many foreigners are struggling to renew their visas beyond a thirty day holiday visa, with many big company customers not able to obtain business working visas – even for 10 day visits. One Australian customer was only able to obtain the holiday visa after weeks of trying to get business and factory invites through the Chinese Government for approval. The process was just too difficult and in the end he elected to take a “Working Holiday” through the factories here in Yiwu and Guangzhou.
Many South American friends living here have to take 2 day trips to Hong Kong to re-apply for holiday visas every 30 days as that’s the only visa available to them. It’s hurting their work and is also costing them a lot of money to stay in China legally.
One good Algerian friend told me last week that his business has taken a battering from the fall in his customers (predominantly from the Middle-East). His business relies on buyers coming in and purchasing from the many goods on offer in the Yiwu Markets, but this has all stopped as the customers aren’t getting past the visa office in his country. He believes things will change post Olympics and will have to ride the storm out till then.
We have now figured out the best ways around this and are still busy with the flow of customers coming through the Futian Markets. Wired Imports have a hassle free process for customers holding “China Friendly” passports, making for a smooth tour through all markets.
