As reported by China Daily, police in the Chinese city of Guangzhou have been closely monitoring residential and business areas inhabited by foreigners, looking for individuals without stay permits or holding fake passports. Concerns over illegal immigration, particularly crimes committed by foreigners, have resulted in police stepping up efforts to curb the practice. Officials from Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court said that one-third of fraud cases between 2002 and 2008 were committed by foreigners.

The police campaign has caused tension in the city’s African communities, resulting in protests over an unconfirmed death of a Nigerian man during a passport check. Police officials have only confirmed two injuries; one involved a man allegedly involved in illegal money operations who injured himself as he attempted to evade a passport check.

Each year, over one million people enter or exit through the ports of Guangzhou, a major trading hub for foreigners, especially from the Middle East and Africa. A local university estimates that over 20,000 Africans with valid travel documents reside in the area, although the overall number is higher because many do not have visas.

To assist foreigners, the entry and exit administrative authority opened an online service where they can apply for permit extensions. Foreigners traveling or residing in the area should always carry their passports and comply with registration procedures.