According to a consular affairs officer at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, in Ottawa, the border authorities at every border check point in China stamp the passports of travellers entering and exiting the country (PRC 31 Mar. 2003). The location and the date of the traveller's entry or exit are indicated on the stamp (ibid.). The consular affairs officer further stated that an identity card is not accepted as a travel document in China (ibid.).

A Citizenship and Immigration of Canada official at the Vancouver International Airport confirmed that, upon their arrival in Canada, Chinese nationals receive entry stamps in their passports; however, no exit stamps are provided when a person leaves Canada (Canada 28 Mar. 2003).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Canada. 28 March 2003. Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Telephone interview with the shift supervisor at the Vancouver International Airport.

People's Republic of China (PRC). 31 March 2003. Correspondence sent by a consular affairs officer. Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Ottawa.