China strictly regulates overseas departures of its own citizens ... Many people have their passports cut at airport customs

China is tightening departure restrictions for its citizens. It seems that measures against borders at the airport have been strengthened and passport issuance has been restricted. The US radio station "Radio Free Asia (RFA)" reported.

According to Chinese citizens interviewed by RFA, his friend boarded a plane transferring from Bangkok to Guangzhou on May 8th. After arriving at Guangzhou Airport, the passengers of the Aircraft departed at customs, he received a detailed question such as "What did you do when they were outside of China?", "What kind of work did you do abroad?", "Why did you return to Caina now?", "Do you have any plans to depart again?" He apparently saw other passengers asked questions for about 20 minutes.

According to an interview, customs officials initially tried to cut his passport. Surprised, he said, "I'm not leaving anymore because my father is ill," and the official couldn't cut his passport. However, some passengers on the aircraft were actually cut off their passports.

According to a woman who also interviewed, measures to cut passports at Chinese customs have been seen for several years. In particular, it is said that the frequency has increased after the spread of COVID-19 virus infection.

Also, an internet user who tried to get a Canadian student visa and depart was asked at customs, "Are there offline classes?" When he replied, "I'm taking a language class first, so I only have online classes at the moment," the staff cut my passport and said, "If you don't have offline classes, why would you leave?"

Similar measures are being taken for foreign residents with permanent residency. Chinese authorities also restrict elementary and junior high school students from studying abroad.

According to media reports, one net user said that Shanghai Pudong Airport has a policy of "not letting those who show anti-state and anti-Communist ideas depart" and "those who make malicious departures cut their passports on the spot". Some people actually posted photos of a document with such a complaint.