Beijing cracks down on its 'naked officials'

In an effort to fight graft, Party cadres will no longer be permitted to easily travel abroad

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A cartoon commenting on the situation - a government worker is "tightly controlled" and cannot freely join his family overseas. Photo: Screenshot via Weibo

Published: 8:30pm, 29 Aug 2014Updated: 6:53pm, 17 Sep 2014

Cadres in Beijing who plan to travel abroad now face harsher restrictions as part of a nation-wide crackdown on corruption.

According to a May decree by the Organisation Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, officials above the level of division head, generally referring to county governors in Beijing, will “generally not be permitted” to travel abroad, Party mouthpiece Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Those who insist on leaving the country must undergo “rigorous vetting procedures,” and will only be allowed to travel on government passports. In certain cases they may need to temporarily let their private passports be managed by Party superiors.

Retired officials must also seek permission before travelling abroad, and the decree calls for the implementation of a “cadre supervision system, where leading cadres who are found or suspected of flight must be reported to the Organisation Department’s supervision bureau within 48 hours.”

Beijing Youth Daily cited the example of a government worker surnamed Liu who tried to travel abroad with his family after the decree had been issued. He was informed that he would only be able to do so if he turned in his private passport and received approval from his superiors.

“If you think it’s too much trouble, then maybe change your plans and travel within the country,” officials purportedly told Liu.