Staff Reporter:
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka yesterday announced visa arrangements for Bangladeshi participants in the 140th Canton Fair, warning applicants against fraudulent agencies, “guaranteed visa” offers and claims of special connections.
The arrangements have been introduced to facilitate participation of Bangladeshi visitors in the China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as the Canton Fair, whose onsite exhibition will be held in three phases in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4.
The Embassy said applicants for Canton Fair visas are required to submit the official invitation letter for the 140th Canton Fair as the sole mandatory application document.
It, however, stressed that applicants must carefully complete their online visa application forms, warning that incomplete or inaccurate information would result in applications being returned.
“To avoid delays, additional costs and disruption to travel plans, please complete the online visa applica-tion form carefully, fully and accurately,” the Embassy said.
Applicants were advised not to entrust individuals or agencies with completing application forms on their behalf.
The Embassy made it clear that it has not authorized any agency or individual to provide visa services and cautioned applicants against fraudulent claims such as “guaranteed visa”, “no visa, no fee”, “inside connections” or “special channels”.
It also warned that forging or altering invitation letters, providing false information or submitting fraud-ulent documents could result in visa refusal and affect future visa applications.
The Embassy said visa issuance, including category, validity, duration of stay and number of entries, would be determined in accordance with relevant regulations and each applicant’s individual circum-stances.
Reaffirming its commitment to “lawful, clean and efficient” visa services, the Embassy said locally em-ployed staffs are strictly prohibited from claiming that they can influence visa decisions or guarantee visa issuance for personal gain.
Any such violation would be dealt with strictly in accordance with applicable rules and disciplinary regulations, it added.
The Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou, is one of China’s major international trade events, attracting buyers and businesses from around the world.
