A screenshot of an introduction video for the telephone version of the 12367 Immigration Management Service Platform, which added Russian, Japanese and Korean language service functions to the original Chinese and English bilingual services on November 26, 2024. Photo: National Immigration Administration

China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Tuesday that it will expand its phone-based 12367 immigration service hotline to include Russian, Japanese, and Korean in addition to the existing Chinese and English language services. The newly expanded services will take effect immediately.

Users dialing the 24/7 hotline can select their preferred language through the voice navigation system. For those choosing Russian, Japanese, or Korean, the platform will establish a three-way voice call between the user, a translator, and a call operator, according to the NIA.

The hotline serves as an integrated customer service center handling immigration administration-related inquiries, suggestions and reporting of illegal activities, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The platform includes phone services, a mobile app, WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, and a web portal. The service offers real-time responses seven days a week and 24 hours a day.

This service enhancement aims to provide more convenient immigration and entry-exit services for foreign nationals in China, according to the NIA.

The platform has played an important role in maintaining orderly entry and exit immigration management, supporting economic and social development, and fostering international exchange.

Since its launch on April 8, 2021, the platform has handled over 14 million calls concerning immigration management, suggestions, and inquiries from users in 156 countries and regions worldwide, according to the NIA.

The platform maintains a 99.9 percent first-call resolution rate and a 98.6 percent satisfaction rate, according to the NIA data.

Looking ahead, the NIA has pledged to continue to optimize the 12367 service platform, expanding its service channels and features. It will proactively address the needs of domestic and international travelers for more convenient services while contributing to high-quality development and a higher level of openness, the NIA said.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote openness, China has intensified measures to simplify the process for foreign nationals visiting the country.

Starting from November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from 38 countries within its visa-free arrangement can enter China without a need to apply for a visa for the purposes of business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and visits and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days.