Ecuador Halts Visa-Free Travel for Chinese Nationals due to Unregulated Immigration Issues
Title: Overt Defiance from Ecuadorian Authorities on Chinese Migrants' Exits
According to Ecuador's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, approximately half of the recent Chinese immigrants in the country did not depart via legitimate channels or within the 90-day limit granted to them.
The ministry further explained that these individuals either continue to reside in the country in an irregular migration status or have exited using illegal channels to other destinations within the Hemisphere.
South American nations frequently serve as the launching point for Chinese migrants embarking on the extended land journey towards the US, which is commonly referred to as the "zou xian" or "walking route."
CNN earlier exposed a flourishing network of businesses in Quito catering to border-bound individuals. This includes airport pick-ups, accommodations at Chinese-owned hostels, and travel arrangements towards the north, often for a significant fee.
In 2023, Ecuador recorded 48,381 entries by Chinese nationals, as opposed to 24,240 exits. A discrepancy of 24,141, the highest for any nationality, according to statistics from the national institute. In contrast, Ecuador recorded approximately 13,000 Chinese nationals entering in 2022.
Ecuador has pledged to uphold the safety of visitors while combating human trafficking and maintaining appropriate national immigration control.
Regarding Ecuador's decision to halt visa waivers, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “The China-Ecuador Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement, effective since August 2016, has positively influenced bilateral interactions and practical cooperation in various sectors.”
Lin added that China "vehemently opposes all forms of smuggling activities" and takes an aggressive stance against illegal crimes threatening border management.
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Despite Ecuador's visa-free travel policy for Chinese nationals, many individuals overstay their visit or exit illegally, contributing to unregulated immigration issues in the Americas. This unchecked migration has significant implications for the world, as it impacts border control and security, as well as the socio-economic fabric of host nations.
