"I am very enthusiastic about the proposed new visa policies, as they will make it much easier for my children and family members to visit me. Previously, the documentation required made it very difficult to arrange travel on a short-term basis. These new policies will benefit all concerned. This is especially important for me as I am permanently established in China and wish to remain in my adopted country."

Robert Barsby

A British citizen, who has been living in China for most of the last 20 years and now works as a hotelier in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

"I'm pretty sure that the S-type visa benefits us. For my mother, who comes only for short visits, this is not that useful. But as my wife and I both work in China, this will enable us to invite our son, who just graduated from college, to come and stay a bit longer with us. I hope the procedures will be improved more. I'm also looking forward to having a 'Chinese green card' one day. I have been in China for 16 years, but I still need to apply for a working visa every year, and this is extremely inconvenient."

Ben Lor

A Chinese-American, who works for an art dealership in China.

"My parents have not come to China to visit us yet. It is a long journey from Holland. But I will definitely invite them to come after the new visa policy goes into effect. The new policy is very attractive, as it will save time and will make you and your loved ones decide more easily to visit. When it is easier for families to visit, you will be more likely to want to stay and work in a foreign country."

Barbara Kuit

A Dutch architect, who co-designed the Canton Tower with her husband, Mark Hemel, and settled in Guangzhou, in 2011.

(China Daily USA 07/23/2013 page4)