A notice officially allowing private passports to on-campus students making temporary overseas trips was issued in Beijing Tuesday, to comply with China's further process of opening-up, and to promote international education exchanges and cooperation.

The notice was jointly issued by China's Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and stated that on-campus students taking a short-term overseas trip for government or academic exchanges including international meetings, cooperative research, training and contests, may use a private passport.

On-campus students already holding a private passport may directly apply for visas from foreign embassies and consulates.

Experts say China has to loosen its policies on passport administration through reforms. The notice, in line with international common practice, stipulates the students' private passport should be for temporary overseas trips only. It will not only reduce governmental administration, but also simplify the paperwork for academic exchanges.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2002)