Saipan Tribune

Monday, September 06, 2010

Friday, December 18, 2009

China flight crews to get expedited visas

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) says the U.S. State Department will offer expedited processing of U.S. visa for crew members of airlines signed on to the new visa waiver program for the Northern Mariana Islands.

“This is part of the on-going efforts to iron out any of the kinks in implementing Secretary Napolitano's decision to allow Chinese and Russian tourists to continue to enter the Northern Marianas visa-free,” said Sablan.

“I continue to be working with the State Department to make sure that flights between China and the Northern Mariana Islands are resumed and that no future problems arise that might lead to another suspension of flights.”

One possible problem for the flights is that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security has determined that foreign pilots and crew of airlines traveling between China and the CNMI will still require visas. Only the passengers, visitors for business or pleasure, are covered by Napolitano's directive.

In response, U.S. consular sections in China have offered expedited processing of the needed U.S. visas for the crew members of the airlines that have indicated they will be flying the China-NMI route.

“I am very appreciative of the responsiveness and understanding of U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman in Beijing and Consul General Beatrice Camp in Shanghai,” said Sablan.

Sablan reported last week in a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton that his office had been in constant contact with her Department's officials in response to interruption of flights from China that began when immigration control in the Marianas was turned over to the Federal government on November 28.

Prior to that date the U.S. Embassy in Beijing officially informed the Chinese government of the new policy allowing Chinese citizens visa-free travel to the Northern Mariana Islands for business and tourism.

Previously, the CNMI had issued a visitor entry permit to tourists, which was required for them to exit China. After November 28, passengers no longer had VEPs, and this may have caused concerns for charter flight operators.

“Once I brought this issue to the attention of the State Department,” says Sablan, “the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai discussed the status of flights with Shanghai Airlines.

“I understand Shanghai Airlines outlined some questions caused by the new procedures, but is now ready to resume flights on December 18.”

The U.S. government continues to work with the Chinese government to resolve any outstanding issues or problems. The Chinese government ensures that all Chinese laws and regulations on the exit requirements of their citizens are enforced. (PR)