In China, a new rule requires teachers and other public-sector employees to hand over their passports to authorities. This rule falls under the “personal travel abroad management” policy, part of President Xi Jinping’s efforts to control international travel and limit foreign influence. The goal is to combat corruption and prevent foreign ideas from impacting citizens, especially those who educate young people.
The passport collection initiative, based on a 2003 regulation for high-ranking officials, now includes teachers and staff in schools, universities, and state-owned institutions. Employees in provinces like Sichuan, Hubei, and Anhui have already been told to submit their passports. While they can request to travel abroad, approvals are unlikely. Requests must go through the city education bureau, and unauthorized travel can lead to disciplinary actions, including being barred from travel for up to five years.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is concerned about foreign influence on educators and public sector workers. Teachers are vital in promoting ideological conformity, and contact with banned groups like Falun Gong is strictly forbidden. In some regions, teachers must register with the public security bureau before traveling abroad, facing restrictions like one trip per year for no more than 20 days.
Passport recalls are not limited to teachers; employees in state-owned enterprises and retirees from government positions have also been affected. Those who previously held sensitive roles, like a 76-year-old retiree from a state-owned aircraft manufacturer, have had their passports confiscated for “security reasons.” Even individuals in unrelated sectors, such as a bank employee in Nanjing, have had to surrender their passports to their employers for monitoring.
The Chinese government’s focus on preventing foreign espionage has led to increased scrutiny of employees’ travel activities. State-owned enterprises are tasked with monitoring their staff’s movements to safeguard sensitive information and national security. This initiative reflects China’s broader efforts to combat external interference and maintain control over its citizens’ exposure to foreign ideas.
By implementing these strict travel restrictions, China aims to reinforce loyalty among its public sector employees and prevent the infiltration of foreign ideologies. While these measures may limit personal freedoms, they demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting national interests and preserving its political influence. As the passport collection drive continues to expand, individuals in various sectors must navigate these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential repercussions.
