Extended visa-free stay in city used by 42 expats

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MORE than 40 foreigners enjoyed a 72-hour visa-free stay in Shanghai in the past three days under a new policy put into effect on January 1.

By 5pm yesterday, 42 citizens, including those from the United States, France and South Korea, had taken advantage of the policy, with special transit lanes set up at Hongqiao and Pudong international airports, according to the Shanghai border inspection authority. These passengers were mainly on business and tourism trips and many were from South Korea, officials said.

"There is a lot business between China and South Korea. I think with more promotion, more foreigners from the West will start to enjoy the policy in the future," said Chen Jian, an exit-entry officer with Shanghai's airports.

Air passengers from 45 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia, are eligible under the new visa-free policy.

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