China Tightens Travel Rules for Public Employees

China is implementing new restrictions on public employees' international travel, requiring many to surrender their passports. These measures, affecting teachers, doctors, and state-owned enterprise employees, are justified by authorities as necessary for national security, anti-corruption efforts, and cost reduction. However, the scope of these rules appears broad, impacting individuals without access to sensitive information. The government's stated aim is to enforce greater political discipline and ideological loyalty among its workforce, with some employees also being asked to disclose social media accounts and report any travel outside their city. Furthermore, individuals with prior overseas study experience may be barred from certain public sector roles.