Comment on "Marriage has no borders" (China Daily, Nov 26)

I enjoyed reading the article about how Vietnamese wives are adjusting to life in China. But the article didn't talk about their immigration status. China should offer more attractive options to foreigners who wish to live with their Chinese spouses in the country.

On May 21, China Daily reported that "foreigners who have close relatives in China" would be able to apply for residence permits valid for up to two years. Previously, foreigners visiting family members in China could get only an "L visa" valid for one year.

I suppose the Vietnamese spouses, like other foreign spouses I am acquainted with, depend on these provisions to stay in China.

Though this works to keep husband and wife together, it is fraught with problems. It does not allow the "visiting" people to work or receive any social welfare benefits.

Such people have to renew their visas regularly and live in constant fear that it could be denied the next time and they could be separated from their families.

Moreover, the regulations treat a spouse as a visitor rather than a member of Chinese society.

If foreign spouses of Chinese citizens can find suitable jobs, they can stay in China on a work visa just like other foreigners, and can apply for permanent residence after five years.

But their success depends on other factors, too, including "stable income and residence" which are difficult to fulfill.

The Chinese government needs to take steps to give foreign spouses of Chinese citizens the chance to fully participate in Chinese life.

James Ritchie, via e-mail

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(China Daily 12/08/2010 page9)