China has mandated that even low-level government employees, such as elementary school teachers and nurses, surrender their passports to enforce stricter internal discipline. This directive is part of a broader effort to tighten control over public sector personnel. The move has sparked discussions about the implications for civil liberties and professional mobility within the public sector.
Candidates lining up for a civil service exam in Nanjing, China, last year. The policy comes amid growing concerns about the impact of these measures on individual freedoms. Critics argue that such restrictions could hamper the ability of public employees to engage in international academic exchanges or travel for professional development.
While the government has not provided detailed explanations for the policy, it is widely believed to be part of a larger initiative to consolidate power within the administrative apparatus. These measures are seen as a continuation of the government’s efforts to ensure compliance and control within the public sector.