China overturns ban on bald travellers

CHINA has cancelled a controversial visa restriction on folicaly challenged visitors from Taiwan.

Imposed by the southern Chinese city of Xiamen, it stopped bald people, especially business travellers, from applying for one-year multiple-entry permits. It was cancelled earlier this year, according to Taiwan’s Travel Agent Association.

Roger Hsu, a spokesman for the association said

It would probably have raised the question of discrimination if Chinese customs officials were to ask visitors to remove their wigs

The Taipei-based Liberty Times quoted unnamed travel agents as saying that Chinese authorities were concerned that 

it was easier for bald people to disguise themselves

The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war, but Beijing still considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

Only question I have, is since when did the Chinese authorities become concerned about discrimination?

[couriermail;  image]