One of the measures of the Beijing Olympic Games was the introduction of much stricter enforcement of visa entry regulations. It was a gradual approach, when in April this year, Chinese officials began stricter enforcement of rules for a standard tourist visa. What had usually consisted of a two-page information sheet, a photo and a fee, suddenly required proof of accommodation and return flight information.

For business visa applicants, the news was much worse – Hong Kong was instructed to stop issuing multiple entry visas and for the first time, business visa applicants found their requests were often being denied. Australian businesses have complained that the stricter enforcement of Chinese visa applications has severely affected business ventures and delegations to China this year.
While rumours abound that restrictions are likely to ease now the Olympics are over, with baited breath we all wait to see what is going to happen next. Meanwhile the more than 300,000 Chinese visitors who arrived on Australian shores in 2007 didn’t seem to complain much about the 12-page application form, nor the requests for extensive supporting documents and a potential health check when applying for their Australian visas. Companies in both countries have complained about the effect tight visa restrictions have on all businesses across the region.

But the bigger issue at hand today in both countries is the global credit crunch and how we are all affected by this. Will China save the day? Two of Australia’s top financial institutions give their take on the situation.

In our recruitment and relocation special we look at how some companies are reigning in costs and lowering  overheads by recruiting more local Chinese staff in lieu of expatriates – locals commandlower salaries, speak the language, do not require special expatriate housing, education and relocation packages and with the right incentives see longterm futures in their chosen company. With global shortages of good senior and middle management, companies must also look at ways to retain these valuable Chinese employees. In our travel feature we speak to Tourism Australia about incentive rewards in the form of holidays. Also, in our company profile this issue, we speak to Sensis China CEO, Robert Rath about the sharing of resources and technology between its Australian and Chinese businesses. We hope you enjoy this issue of Australia China Connections.

Carl Jetter