Facing the severe situation of the global spread of COVID-19, the Center for International Exchanges of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality (the "Center for International Exchanges"), thoroughly implementing all work requirements under the situation of long-term fight against COVID-19 and actively practicing its principle of "providing foreign affairs services to serve the people", has signed an cooperation agreement with Beijing Dongfang Notary Public Office and launched the first online one-stop "legalization + notarization" service.

After graduation, foreign students studying in Beijing usually need to submit the originals of such documents as academic certificates, degree certificates, transcripts, internship certificates and certificates of no criminal conviction for notarization and consular legalization, only after which can such documents be officially recognized when they are used abroad and have corresponding legal effect. Therefore, foreign-related notarization and consular legalization are indispensable for foreign students' subsequent study or employment after returning to their home country.

In order to help foreign students studying in Beijing solve concrete problems, the Center for International Exchanges launched, after sufficient investigation, the activity of "Making Consular Legalization Accessible on Campus" in June to provide service in a non-contacting manner. The activity has delivered benefits to foreign students through four channels, namely the "collective collection and handling channel", "channel of collection and handling through an agency", "student channel" and "emergency channel". Through the above one-stop services, foreign students in Beijing can go through relevant notarization and consular legalization formalities on campus, those who have left Beijing (or China) do not need to return to Beijing, and those in a hurry to return to their home country do not have to extend their visas.

During the course of its work, the Center for International Exchanges strives to provide targeted services based on the principle of "one policy for one university" and "one policy for one student". Additionally, it has set up a special consultation hotline for foreign students as well as a special mail service for application, 24-hour uninterrupted service to ensure that questions are answered within one day and services are provided within the due time. Its work has been highly praised by foreign students and universities.

Since June, the Center for International Exchanges has handled 1,283 consular legalization documents in a non-contacting manner for 582 foreign students from 74 countries who are unable to come in person due to pandemic response measures. The service covers 35 universities in Beijing and 6 universities outside Beijing. Such caring service has been constantly mentioned among the foreign students. Through word of mouth, many foreign students have shared their participation in the activity of "Making Consular Legalization Accessible on Campus" as one of their personal experiences when studying in China with their junior schoolmates, telling them that they should follow this activity in their graduation season next year.

(Note: Content source is from Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality.)