"Zero Covid": eager to go into exile, these Chinese urban elites trapped by Beijing

Correspondent in Asia

Natalie (1) thought for the first time of exile when she saw the relentless control of the demonstrations in Hong Kong, in 2019, which sealed the democratic horizon of China under the iron hand of Xi Jinping.

The merciless confinement of Shanghai, in the spring, finally convinced this 35-year-old Beijinger to take the plunge.

explains this employee of a foreign company.

The young woman is methodically preparing her escape plan for 2023, by applying to universities abroad, but she will have to show her credentials.

The pursuit of studies is one of the few accepted reasons for leaving Chinese territory, but under conditions.

Natalie must also overcome a final obstacle: to renew her passport which expires next year.

A challenge, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer issues passports to its citizens...

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