INVESTIGATION-RELATED EXIT RESTRICTIONS
Concerned about leaving China?
Start by identifying the authority, the legal basis and the person to whom the restriction applies.
ESTABLISH WHAT IS KNOWN
“An exit ban” is a description.
The legal basis matters.
Exit restrictions can arise in different contexts. Foreign nationality does not, by itself, rule out a restriction: Article 28 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law sets out circumstances affecting foreign nationals.
This service focuses on questions connected with criminal investigations and investigations by Chinese supervisory commissions. Visa issues, civil litigation and enforcement proceedings may require a different assessment. Being a witness or otherwise connected with a matter does not, by itself, establish that an exit restriction exists.
- 01
Identify the source
What authority contacted you or stopped the departure? Is there a notice, reference number or written explanation? Distinguish a confirmed measure from an unverified concern.
- 02
Clarify the case and your role
Are you a suspect, a witness or another person connected with the matter? Which proceeding is involved? A description from a third party may not establish the legal position.
- 03
Assess lawful next steps
Depending on the basis and procedure, work may include reviewing available documents, seeking clarification and considering any applicable request or review route. Availability and timing depend on the matter.
What an initial assessment can establish
The aim is to identify the questions that can be answered from available material, the information still needed and the lawful steps worth considering.
A lawyer’s assessment is not an official immigration or border-control clearance. An overseas residence permit, a valid passport or a booked flight does not itself resolve an existing restriction. No departure date can be guaranteed.
For the first enquiry
Give the city, the type of authority involved if known, whether travel has actually been stopped and the question you need answered. Do not attach a passport, identification documents or complete case papers at this stage.
Legal reference: Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 28 — English text published by the National Immigration Administration. For supervisory investigations, see also PRC Supervision Law, Article 33 (official Chinese text). The applicable authority, conditions and procedure must be identified in the individual matter.
CONTACT & APPOINTMENTS
Discuss the next step.
Call or add us on WeChat to arrange a consultation. Confirm the scope, language, time and fee before booking. For an initial enquiry in English, use WeChat or email to confirm arrangements before a call.
Prefer email? wangcuolawyer@163.com