In China's first reprisal against COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Chinese travellers, the country has suspended issuing short-term visas for South Koreans and Japanese. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in South Korea said that South Koreans would no longer be granted visas for the purpose of travel, business, medical treatment, transit, and general private affairs, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.

The policy will change only if South Korea lifts its "discriminatory entry restrictions" against China, as per the embassy's official WeChat account.

According to China's foreign ministry, the announcement comes a day after Foreign Minister Qin Gang spoke with his South Korean counterpart Park Jin over the phone and voiced concern about the curbs, AFP reported. Park reportedly told Qin that the new border restrictions were nothing but "science-based" measures.

“The Korean government’s strengthened prevention measures for entrants from China are based on scientific and objective grounds,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk said in a briefing. “The government has been transparently sharing relevant information with the international community, and has continued to communicate with the Chinese side.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/eu-nations-look-set-to-reach-consensus-on-covid-rules-for-chinese-travellers-549304" hreflang="en">EU nations agree on pre-departure Covid test for flyers from China, formal decision on Wednesday</a>

On Tuesday, China suspended issuing visas to Japanese travellers, Japan’s Kyodo News Agency reported citing unidentified sources in the travel industry. Other countries including the United States, South Korea, France, etc., have also introduced testing requirements in response to China's fresh Covid outbreak.

Chinese visitors were barred from visiting South Korea since the country had earlier halted providing short-term visas to Chinese travellers until January 31. Flights to Busan, Daegu, and Jeju are suspended, and flights between South Korea and China are only available through Seoul's Incheon International airport, SCMP reported. Seoul on Tuesday said that flights from Hong Kong and Macau will also be allowed to arrive only at Incheon airport.

South Korean authorities located a Chinese man, last week, who had vanished while awaiting quarantine after arriving in the country and testing positive for COVID-19, raising concerns.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/china-covid-xi-administration-gradually-dismantles-zero-covid-policy-541962" hreflang="en">China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/china-covid-xi-administration-gradually-dismantles-zero-covid-policy-541962/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier this month, Beijing threatened&nbsp;countermeasures against “unacceptable” Covid measures. “We believe that the entry restrictions adopted by some countries targeting China lack scientific basis, and some excessive practices are even more unacceptable,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

In December last year, China decided to lift its "zero Covid" policy, following which the Chinese citizens and residents demanded flights to travel across world. The EU is worried that a sudden influx of Chinese travellers could spread Covid strains to other parts of the world that the current vaccinations&nbsp;may be able to withstand.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In China's first reprisal against COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Chinese travellers, the country has suspended issuing short-term visas for South Koreans and Japanese.

In China's first reprisal against COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Chinese travellers, the country has suspended issuing short-term visas for South Koreans and Japanese. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in South Korea said that South Koreans would no longer be granted visas for the purpose of travel, business, medical treatment, transit, and general private affairs, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. The policy will change only if South Korea lifts its "discriminatory entry restrictions" against China, as per the embassy's official WeChat account. According to China's foreign ministry, the announcement comes a day after Foreign Minister Qin Gang spoke with his South Korean counterpart Park Jin over the phone and voiced concern about the curbs, AFP reported. Park reportedly told Qin that the new border restrictions were nothing but "science-based" measures. “The Korean government’s strengthened prevention measures for entrants from China are based on scientific and objective grounds,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk said in a briefing. “The government has been transparently sharing relevant information with the international community, and has continued to communicate with the Chinese side.” Also Read | EU nations agree on pre-departure Covid test for flyers from China, formal decision on Wednesday On Tuesday, China suspended issuing visas to Japanese travellers, Japan’s Kyodo News Agency reported citing unidentified sources in the travel industry. Other countries including the United States, South Korea, France, etc., have also introduced testing requirements in response to China's fresh Covid outbreak. Chinese visitors were barred from visiting South Korea since the country had earlier halted providing short-term visas to Chinese travellers until January 31. Flights to Busan, Daegu, and Jeju are suspended, and flights between South Korea and China are only available through Seoul's Incheon International airport, SCMP reported. Seoul on Tuesday said that flights from Hong Kong and Macau will also be allowed to arrive only at Incheon airport. South Korean authorities located a Chinese man, last week, who had vanished while awaiting quarantine after arriving in the country and testing positive for COVID-19, raising concerns. Watch | China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy Earlier this month, Beijing threatened countermeasures against “unacceptable” Covid measures. “We believe that the entry restrictions adopted by some countries targeting China lack scientific basis, and some excessive practices are even more unacceptable,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. In December last year, China decided to lift its "zero Covid" policy, following which the Chinese citizens and residents demanded flights to travel across world. The EU is worried that a sudden influx of Chinese travellers could spread Covid strains to other parts of the world that the current vaccinations may be able to withstand. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

COVID-19 curbs retaliation: China suspends short-term visas for South Koreans, Japanese

China has announced to lift its two-year visa ban on Indian students and professionals following the strict restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports.

The Chinese Embassy in India updated its COVID-19 visa policy on Monday inviting visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members seeking to go to China for resumption of work in all fields, PTI news agency reported.

Apart from that, the Chinese Embassy is also processing visa requests of thousands of Indian students who have been requesting to let them re-join the universities after they had to leave amidst the pandemic.

There are an estimated 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine, pursuing their studies in Chinese universities. &nbsp;Over 12,000 Indian students have reportedly expressed their wish to return and their details have been forwarded to the Chinese government for processing.

Though China gradually permitted students from friendly countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, the Solomon Islands, and, most recently, Sri Lanka, to return, it remained silent on allowing Indian students and family members of Indians working in China.

The turnaround from China might have come after a number of Indian professionals based in China urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last month to press Beijing to allow their stranded families to return.

However, visas for tourism and private purposes remain suspended, the Chinese Embassy announcement said.

China is yet to announce criteria to permit students to return as Beijing is reportedly reluctant to allow such large number of people at once in the wake of recent Covid spike.

While opening visa services to Indians, China is also yet to announce plans to open flight facilities between the two countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China has announced to lift its two-year visa ban on Indian students and professionals following the strict restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports.

China has announced to lift its two-year visa ban on Indian students and professionals following the strict restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports. The Chinese Embassy in India updated its COVID-19 visa policy on Monday inviting visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members seeking to go to China for resumption of work in all fields, PTI news agency reported. Apart from that, the Chinese Embassy is also processing visa requests of thousands of Indian students who have been requesting to let them re-join the universities after they had to leave amidst the pandemic. There are an estimated 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine, pursuing their studies in Chinese universities. Over 12,000 Indian students have reportedly expressed their wish to return and their details have been forwarded to the Chinese government for processing. Though China gradually permitted students from friendly countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, the Solomon Islands, and, most recently, Sri Lanka, to return, it remained silent on allowing Indian students and family members of Indians working in China. The turnaround from China might have come after a number of Indian professionals based in China urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last month to press Beijing to allow their stranded families to return. However, visas for tourism and private purposes remain suspended, the Chinese Embassy announcement said. China is yet to announce criteria to permit students to return as Beijing is reportedly reluctant to allow such large number of people at once in the wake of recent Covid spike. While opening visa services to Indians, China is also yet to announce plans to open flight facilities between the two countries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

COVID-19: China removes 2-year visa restrictions on Indians

Tech giants such as Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc have taken a stand against ban on entry of foreign workers in the US, announced by Donald Trump.

The US President Donald Trump announced a Presidential proclamation announcing a temporary ban on the entry of certain foreign workers in the United States. Workers entering the country on H-1B visas and managers and specialised workers being transferred within a company on L visas — both visa types used by tech companies — will be the ones affected by it. Seasonal workers, who enter the country on H2B visas will also face the ban.

Trump defended his decision by saying that this will help preserve jobs for Americans after the economy has been badly hit by the pandemic.

However, this decision was not well received by tech-giants who feel this will restrict the functioning and growth of several Multi-National Companies (MNCs), based in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-against-hiring-h1b-visa-holders-for-federal-contracts-318023">Also read:&nbsp;Trump signs executive order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts</a>

Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc, on Monday,&nbsp;filed a legal brief backing a challenge against Trump on this issue. The lawsuit has been brought in California by few of the major US business associations.&nbsp;

In the brief, the companies argued that the visa restrictions will hurt American businesses, lead employers to hire workers outside the United States, and further damage the already struggling US economy.

The group of companies has alleged Trump of causing an irreparable damage to the US economy and workforce, on an assumption rather than facts.

“Global competitors in Canada, China, and India, among others, are pouncing at the opportunity to attract well-trained, innovative individuals,” the brief reads. “And American businesses are scrambling to adjust, hiring needed talent to work in locations outside our nation’s borders.”

Apple (AAPL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Netflix (NFLX.O) and Twitter (TWTR.N) were among 52 companies that signed the brief, which was filed in a lawsuit brought by the National Association of Manufacturers, which represents 14,000 member companies, as well as in a similar lawsuit brought in Washington, D.C.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Tech giants such as Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc have taken a stand against ban on entry of foreign workers in the US, announced by Donald Trump. The US President Donald Trump announced a Presidential proclamation announcing a temporary ban on the entry of certain foreign workers in the United States.

Tech giants such as Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc have taken a stand against ban on entry of foreign workers in the US, announced by Donald Trump. The US President Donald Trump announced a Presidential proclamation announcing a temporary ban on the entry of certain foreign workers in the United States. Workers entering the country on H-1B visas and managers and specialised workers being transferred within a company on L visas — both visa types used by tech companies — will be the ones affected by it. Seasonal workers, who enter the country on H2B visas will also face the ban. Trump defended his decision by saying that this will help preserve jobs for Americans after the economy has been badly hit by the pandemic. However, this decision was not well received by tech-giants who feel this will restrict the functioning and growth of several Multi-National Companies (MNCs), based in the US. Also read: Trump signs executive order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc, on Monday, filed a legal brief backing a challenge against Trump on this issue. The lawsuit has been brought in California by few of the major US business associations. In the brief, the companies argued that the visa restrictions will hurt American businesses, lead employers to hire workers outside the United States, and further damage the already struggling US economy. The group of companies has alleged Trump of causing an irreparable damage to the US economy and workforce, on an assumption rather than facts. “Global competitors in Canada, China, and India, among others, are pouncing at the opportunity to attract well-trained, innovative individuals,” the brief reads. “And American businesses are scrambling to adjust, hiring needed talent to work in locations outside our nation’s borders.” Apple (AAPL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Netflix (NFLX.O) and Twitter (TWTR.N) were among 52 companies that signed the brief, which was filed in a lawsuit brought by the National Association of Manufacturers, which represents 14,000 member companies, as well as in a similar lawsuit brought in Washington, D.C. (With inputs from Reuters)

Amazon, Facebook and 50 others file lawsuit against Trump's ban of H1B visa

The United States will withdraw or deny visas to any International Criminal Court personnel investigating possible war crimes by US forces or allies in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday.

The court, which sits in The Hague, responded that it was an independent and impartial institution and would continue to do its work "undeterred" by Washington`s actions.

The Trump administration threatened in September to ban ICC judges and prosecutors from entering the United States and sanction funds they have there if the court launched a probe of war crimes in Afghanistan.

Washington took the first step on Friday with Pompeo`s announcement.

"I`m announcing a policy of US visa restrictions on those individuals directly responsible for any ICC investigation of US personnel," Pompeo told a news conference in Washington.

"These visa restrictions may also be used to deter ICC efforts to pursue allied personnel, including Israelis, without allies` consent."&nbsp;

Pompeo said the policy was already being implemented but would not elaborate, citing visa privacy laws.

"These visa restrictions will not be the end of our efforts," he said. "We`re prepared to take additional steps, including economic sanctions, if the ICC does not change its course."

Human Rights Watch called the announcement a "thuggish attempt to penalise investigators" at the court.

"Taking action against those who work for the ICC sends a clear message to torturers and murderers alike: Their crimes may continue unchecked," the group`s Washington director, Andrea Prasow, said, calling on US lawmakers to express support for the court.

In November 2017, the ICC prosecutor requested authorization from judges to initiate an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan since May 1, 2003, including in states where the CIA held prisoners.&nbsp;

Judges are reviewing all material submitted by the prosecutor, and must decide whether or not to authorise an investigation.&nbsp;

With 123 member states, including the entire European Union, the ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity when a country is unable or unwilling to prosecute perpetrators. Major powers, including the United States, China and Russia, are not members.

A State Department official said the United States would allow court officials to travel for meetings to the United Nations headquarters in New York. 
"Under these measures, we will not interfere with travel to the UN for official UN purposes," the official said. The ICC is not part of the United Nations.

The United States will withdraw or deny visas to any International Criminal Court personnel investigating possible war crimes by US forces or allies in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday.

The United States will withdraw or deny visas to any International Criminal Court personnel investigating possible war crimes by US forces or allies in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday. The court, which sits in The Hague, responded that it was an independent and impartial institution and would continue to do its work "undeterred" by Washington`s actions. The Trump administration threatened in September to ban ICC judges and prosecutors from entering the United States and sanction funds they have there if the court launched a probe of war crimes in Afghanistan. Washington took the first step on Friday with Pompeo`s announcement. "I`m announcing a policy of US visa restrictions on those individuals directly responsible for any ICC investigation of US personnel," Pompeo told a news conference in Washington. "These visa restrictions may also be used to deter ICC efforts to pursue allied personnel, including Israelis, without allies` consent." Pompeo said the policy was already being implemented but would not elaborate, citing visa privacy laws. "These visa restrictions will not be the end of our efforts," he said. "We`re prepared to take additional steps, including economic sanctions, if the ICC does not change its course." Human Rights Watch called the announcement a "thuggish attempt to penalise investigators" at the court. "Taking action against those who work for the ICC sends a clear message to torturers and murderers alike: Their crimes may continue unchecked," the group`s Washington director, Andrea Prasow, said, calling on US lawmakers to express support for the court. In November 2017, the ICC prosecutor requested authorization from judges to initiate an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan since May 1, 2003, including in states where the CIA held prisoners. Judges are reviewing all material submitted by the prosecutor, and must decide whether or not to authorise an investigation. With 123 member states, including the entire European Union, the ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity when a country is unable or unwilling to prosecute perpetrators. Major powers, including the United States, China and Russia, are not members. A State Department official said the United States would allow court officials to travel for meetings to the United Nations headquarters in New York. "Under these measures, we will not interfere with travel to the UN for official UN purposes," the official said. The ICC is not part of the United Nations.

US imposes visa bans on International Criminal Court investigators: Pompeo

Mourners bury toddler whose Yemeni mom fought Trump's travel ban

Hong Kong barred the Asia news editor of the Financial Times from entering the city as a visitor, the newspaper said, after authorities refused to renew his work visa in October, raising questions about the city's commitment to free speech.

Victor Mallet "attempted to enter Hong Kong on Thursday as a visitor but was turned away at the border after several hours of questioning by immigration officers," the Financial Times said.

Mallet did not comment further when contacted by Reuters.

Hong Kong's government said the case had nothing to do with freedom of expression or the press.

"In considering any application for entry, we will be acting in accordance with the law and the prevailing immigration policy to make a decision," it said in an emailed statement on Friday. Analysts have cited the FT editor's case among other examples of Hong Kong officials taking a tough line on perceived critics and dissent in the former British colony.

In Mallet's case, the government declined to renew his work visa last month after a speech he hosted at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) by an independence activist was strongly condemned by officials in China and Hong Kong.

Authorities did not give a reason for the visa decision, which shocked many in the city's international community and revived a debate over promised freedoms in the financial hub.

The FCC said on its website on Friday it was "shocked and baffled" by Mallet's denied entry into Hong Kong.

Joshua Rosenzweig, East Asia Research Director for rights group Amnesty International, tweeted that Hong Kong's action was "totally unacceptable and smacks of continued retaliation."

RIGHTS UNDER SCRUTINY

Beijing and Hong Kong authorities say independence violates the "one country, two systems" principle which has governed the territory since it was handed back to China in 1997.

The principle promises Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed elsewhere in China, rights which are enshrined in a mini-constitution known as the Basic Law.

The human rights situation in Hong Kong came under scrutiny in Geneva this week from several foreign governments at a United Nations hearing on rights in China.

On Friday, prominent Chinese dissident writer, Ma Jian, was allowed entry into the Chinese territory.

Ma, who lives in Britain, tweeted on Thursday that the Tai Kwun arts centre, which was set up with government support, had cancelled two events where he was had expected to speak as part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival.

Tai Kwun director Timothy Calnin said in an emailed statement that the centre "did not want to become a platform to promote the political interests of any individual."

Ma said he had been unable to find a Hong Kong publisher for his satirical novel, China Dream, dubbed by Hong Kong's literary festival organisers as "Ma's answer to President Xi Jinping's goal of restored national greatness".

"I'm a novelist, not an activist, and am attending the Festival to discuss my new novel, China Dream. My 'politics' are simple: I believe in free thought and free speech. Without them, life has no meaning," Ma wrote on Twitter.

Hong Kong barred the Asia news editor of the Financial Times from entering the city as a visitor, the newspaper said, after authorities refused to renew his work visa in October, raising questions about the city's commitment to free speech.

Hong Kong barred the Asia news editor of the Financial Times from entering the city as a visitor, the newspaper said, after authorities refused to renew his work visa in October, raising questions about the city's commitment to free speech. Victor Mallet "attempted to enter Hong Kong on Thursday as a visitor but was turned away at the border after several hours of questioning by immigration officers," the Financial Times said. Mallet did not comment further when contacted by Reuters. Hong Kong's government said the case had nothing to do with freedom of expression or the press. "In considering any application for entry, we will be acting in accordance with the law and the prevailing immigration policy to make a decision," it said in an emailed statement on Friday. Analysts have cited the FT editor's case among other examples of Hong Kong officials taking a tough line on perceived critics and dissent in the former British colony. In Mallet's case, the government declined to renew his work visa last month after a speech he hosted at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) by an independence activist was strongly condemned by officials in China and Hong Kong. Authorities did not give a reason for the visa decision, which shocked many in the city's international community and revived a debate over promised freedoms in the financial hub. The FCC said on its website on Friday it was "shocked and baffled" by Mallet's denied entry into Hong Kong. Joshua Rosenzweig, East Asia Research Director for rights group Amnesty International, tweeted that Hong Kong's action was "totally unacceptable and smacks of continued retaliation." RIGHTS UNDER SCRUTINY Beijing and Hong Kong authorities say independence violates the "one country, two systems" principle which has governed the territory since it was handed back to China in 1997. The principle promises Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed elsewhere in China, rights which are enshrined in a mini-constitution known as the Basic Law. The human rights situation in Hong Kong came under scrutiny in Geneva this week from several foreign governments at a United Nations hearing on rights in China. On Friday, prominent Chinese dissident writer, Ma Jian, was allowed entry into the Chinese territory. Ma, who lives in Britain, tweeted on Thursday that the Tai Kwun arts centre, which was set up with government support, had cancelled two events where he was had expected to speak as part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. Tai Kwun director Timothy Calnin said in an emailed statement that the centre "did not want to become a platform to promote the political interests of any individual." Ma said he had been unable to find a Hong Kong publisher for his satirical novel, China Dream, dubbed by Hong Kong's literary festival organisers as "Ma's answer to President Xi Jinping's goal of restored national greatness". "I'm a novelist, not an activist, and am attending the Festival to discuss my new novel, China Dream. My 'politics' are simple: I believe in free thought and free speech. Without them, life has no meaning," Ma wrote on Twitter.

Hong Kong bars British editor from visiting city following visa ban

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