Ecuador Reinstates Visa Requirements on China Over 'Irregular Migration'

Citizens from China would not be able to travel to Ecuador anymore as the South American country has announced it is bringing back visa restrictions on the Asian powerhouse. These restrictions have been announced as more and more Chinese migrants head to countries like Ecuador en route to the US-Mexico border, with US Border Patrol catching plenty of Chinese migrants trying to cross each day.

The government of Ecuador cited "an increase in irregular migratory flows" from China in its statement as it has now suspended an agreement with the Asian giant over waiving visa requirements for travelers from that country.

Ecuador has stated a variety of infractions from Chinese travelers visiting the country as well, including overstaying in the country, as many Chinese citizens went past the permitted 90-day period. Many were also using Ecuador as a stepping stone to reach other destinations in the region, particularly the United States.

According to NBC News, the Foreign Ministry of Ecuador has also revealed that "nearly half of visitors from the country did not exit through regular routes on time." It was also revealed that there had been an increase in Chinese citizens entering Ecuador's borders since 2022, many of them not registering their departure.

China is also working with the United States to repatriate Chinese immigrants who entered the countru illegally via the US-Mexico border. Chinese citizens arrested by US border officials are then deported back to China.

China Reacts To Ecuador's Decision To Re-Impose Visa Requirements on Its Citizens

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was asked regarding Ecuador's recent actions, stating that their country firmly opposes all forms of human smuggling and that "The agreement on mutual visa exemption between China and Ecuador, since it took effect in August 2016, has played an important and positive role in promoting cross-border travel and practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries."

The Chinese official added that their "law enforcement departments are working with relevant countries to jointly tackle human smuggling activities, repatriate illegal immigrants, and maintain a good order in cross-border travel."

According to the Associated Press, the number of Chinese immigrants entering the United States rose drastically last year, with the CBP arresting over n 37,000 Chinese nationals along the US-Mexico border. This is 10 times more than the previous year.

Citizens From China Heading to US For Better Life, Brave Dangerous Trek from South America

Many of the Chinese migrants go through hell just to reach the US-Mexico border, as they often arrive through the two South American countries that do not require any visa for Chinese citizens, Suriname and Ecuador. They then trek to Colombia and either go through the treacherous Darien Gap or take a dangerous boat ride to circumvent that infamous jungle.

"The boat ride took two hours, and my son cried for two hours. I was worried that he wasn't breathing anymore when he became too exhausted to cry," Wang Zhongwei, a Chinese citizen told Nikkei Asia. "I still remember his crying even to this day."

"I don't regret walking here," he added, despite being robbed and extorted by Mexican cartels. "There is no hope for my family back in China."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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