'Issuance of business visas not to be halted'

Visa agencies said on Sunday that they have received no information that corroborates reports suggesting that China is suspending its issuance of business visas.

Meanwhile, the Beijing municipal government said it was about to introduce a policy that would allow certain foreign citizens who are traveling through Beijing on their way to places outside China to stay in the city for up to 72 hours without having to apply for an entry permit.

Over the weekend, Internet users raised concerns about reports that said authorities will cease issuing "F" visas starting on Tuesday. Those sorts of visas are meant for foreigners who are invited to the country to conduct business or attend trade fairs or exhibitions. They usually expire after six months.