In pursuance of the relevant laws of the
People’s Republic of China, the provisions of
international treaties which China has entered into and
signed as well as international practices, diplomatic
representatives and consular organs of the People’s
Republic of China posted abroad are entrusted
responsibilities of protecting the legal rights and
interests of Chinese citizens outside Chinese territory.
This guide helps you understand the scope of consular
protection and services to be provided by diplomatic
representatives and consular organs of China posted
abroad.
Assistance provided by consular
officers 1) to issue, renew and replace travel
documents, and extend the validity of travel documents for
Chinese citizens or to endorse their personal particulars on
travel documents. 2) to provide notarization and
legalization services for Chinese citizens(including
notarization of translation of various certificates and
documents), and subject to the laws and regulations of the
receiving state, register marriages and transfer of judicial
documents. 3) to negotiate with the authorities
concerned when the rights or freedom to be enjoyed by
Chinese citizens under the laws are restricted or infringed
upon in the receiving state and they could in no way
safeguard their own rights and interests. 4) to
provide information on the prevailing situation to Chinese
citizens in case of emergency such as natural disasters,
political disturbances, wars and riots, etc., and to provide
assistance. 5) to liaise, on request, with relatives
of Chinese citizens as far as possible, asking them for the
necessary financial assistance. 6) to notify relatives
of the parties concerned in serious accidents of the case
and casualties involved, and to give consultative advice on
the related matters of procedure. 7) to notify the
concerned parties and his/her relatives on learning that the
Chinese citizen has bequeathed a legacy, or has become a
successor of an estate or a devisee; to receive and transfer
the estate on his/her behalf. 8) to provide, on
request, the available names and telephone numbers of local
lawyers, interpreters and doctors to the Chinese
citizens. 9) to visit Chinese citizens under
detention, arrest or in prison. When necessary, to fight for
lawful treatment on their behalf and give necessary
assistance, and inform their relatives of their condition if
appropriate. 10) to render necessary assistance to
Chinese citizens found not guilty or those released from
prison on completion of their sentences so that they can
leave the state early. 11) to provide any other
relevant consultative services.
Assistance cannot be provided by
consular officers 1) to intervene in court
proceedings, shield your unlawful act, absolve you from
sentences beyond the laws and regulations of the receiving
state. 2) to get better treatment for you in hospital,
in detention or in prison than is provided for local
citizens. 3) to pay your hotel, legal, medical,
air/sea/land travel expense or any other bills. 4) to
help you get a job or obtain a work permit. 5) to help
you in your application for permanent residence in that
state. 6) to accommodate you in the office of the
diplomatic representative or consular organs. Obey the
law Chinese citizens outside Chinese
territory should obey the laws and regulations of the
receiving state, respect the customs and practices of the
people in that state and get along with them harmoniously.
They should also participate actively in promoting economic
prosperity of the receiving state, and foster co-operation
and communication between our nation and the receiving
state.
If you have anything stolen If you lose your money, passport or any other
things abroad, report it first to the local police and
request for a documentary proof of the loss, and inform the
diplomatic representative or consular organ of China in that
state about the loss immediately and request for
assistance.
If you are arrested If you commit an offence, you should bear the
legal consequences. If you are arrested or detained for any
charge of offence, you have the right to request the
authorities concerned to inform the diplomatic
representative or consular organ of China in that
state. If someone dies In case of
serious accident happening to your relatives or companions
or resulting in death for whatever cause, contact the
diplomatic representative or consular organ in that state
immediately, the consular officers will offer assistance
whenever possible.
Points for
attention 1) Consular officers are not allowed to
exceed their scopes of duties in providing consular
protection and services to Chinese citizens. 2) The
relevant provisions lay down that fees will be charged for
some consular services. 3) The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the People’s Republic of China is
responsible for giving explanation on this guide.
|