An expat in Guangzhou handles his visa processing with the postal service. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

The entry and exit administration office of the Guangzhou public security bureau has opened an online handling channel for expats in Guangzhou to deal with their visa documents since Feb 28 due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Currently, the administration office has received a total of 1,424 applications, involving 45 companies and 24 universities. More than 800 expats have obtained their visa documents through the online channel.

Chen Wenhong, deputy director of the administration office, said that the office has teamed up with the local post bureau to help deliver materials and documents between applicants handling general visa affairs and the office to avoid gatherings of crowds.

"The measure has helped many companies and universities deal with their problems. Many international students from local universities like South China University of Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, and Jinan University have received their visas," added Chen.

Chen noted that with the help of the postal service, the handling processing for expats has shortened to five workdays from the previous seven workdays.

The administration office has also opened a green channel to offer emergency services, such as allowing those who need to leave or enter the country to participate in the prevention and control efforts of the COVID-19 pandemic to receive their visas on the day of application.