LIBERALIZING THE IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA THROUGH THE PRISM OF AFRICANOPHOBIA

The article discusses the draft "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Management of Permanent Residence of Foreigners" (Exposure Draft) 2020, the adoption of which in the future will allow African students to obtain a residence permit in China. The new rules introduce concessions for foreign citizens in obtaining permanent residence, which is part of the PRC's policy of attracting highly qualified specialists. Attracting African students to the PRC is part of the “Go abroad” economic strategy. Through educational exchanges, Beijing also participates in the formation of African political and business elites, oriented not towards China. Further, the author examines the popular anti-immigrant theses of a professor at Beijing Normal University, according to whom the relaxation of immigration control will lead China to Islamization. The professor's article received a wide response in the Chinese segment of the Internet, as many Chinese people are unhappy that foreign citizens will receive more rights and privileges. Under the new Regulation, foreigners, for example, are not subject to forced family planning. A new wave of Africanophobia has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. African migrants were discriminated against. All this is related to the problem of adaptation of African migrants, since China does not provide for institutional mechanisms to facilitate the successful integration of African migrants. The impossibility for the majority of African migrants who want to stay in China after graduation from Chinese universities and meet the listed requirements leads to their illegal status, which in turn contributes to the formation of Afro-Towns and criminal activities.