China has adopted almost similar rules and regulations, earlier enforced by Pakistan for the management and control of foreign non-governmental organisations (NOGs).
The action was aimed at proving legal and fair opportunities to NGOs, to carry on their humanitarian work.
China has issued a guideline on the registration of foreign NGOs in the mainland, reiterating the need for government supervision and declaring sources of funding amid controversies.
The guideline, which was released on the official website of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), is generally in line with the Foreign NGO Management Law approved in April by the National People’s Congress, aiming to regulate the activities of foreign NGOs in the Chinese mainland as well as to protect their legitimate rights and interests, and to facilitate communication and cooperation.
The West criticised the law as “smothering civil society,” but China argues that the legislation is necessary to protect the rule of law.
The guideline states that to open a representative office, foreign NGOs are required to submit documents, including identification documents and the curriculum vitae of the person in charge of the proposed office and a statement certifying he or she has no criminal record, as well as evidence of the source of funds. Upon registering a representative office, the NGO must provide its scope of operations and area of activities.
The guideline also says foreign NGOs without an established representative, but which need to conduct temporary activities in the Chinese mainland shall do so in cooperation with “Chinese partners,” which refers to State organs, people’s organisations, public institutions and social organisations.
The Chinese partners shall handle examination and approval procedures in accordance with State regulations and submit them to local registration authorities 15 days before temporary activities begin the guideline states.
The guideline takes effect on January 1 when the official registration windows open, a staff member at the Foreign NGO Management Bureau of the MPS confirmed with the Global Times on Tuesday.
Over 7,000 foreign NGOs operate in China. The Foreign NGO Management Law also takes effect on January 1.
