Visa conundrum

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Hi,
has anyblody had experience of the type mentioned in the letter below form an MM2H viewpoint?

VISA RUNAROUND: Confused over change in rules
By : EDDIE CHAPMAN, Seremban


I WENT to the Chinese embassy recently to obtain a visa for a visit to Shanghai at the end of this month, only to be told that I must go back to my own country to obtain a visa now as it was no longer possible to obtain a visa in Malaysia.
I pointed out that I have a temporary work permit, just renewed for another year, but this was rejected. I was told that I must hold a proper work permit, not temporary, or a residence permit, and though I have been through this process many times, it made no difference.

I also explained that I have lived in Malaysia even when I have not worked here, and my children are Malaysians, for the past 19 years. I also very rarely go back to Britain.

The last time I obtained a visa from the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the requirements were a confirmed return flight and hotel or other accommodation.

But yet again the rules have been changed and I am somewhat confused as to how I can obtain a visa to China other than by going back to Britain, which is out of the question.

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Last month I read in the news that PROC is not issuing visas and would make it very difficult to get a visa until the Olympics is over.
If this is recent, then I'm not surprised. Hope it's not permanent.
Last year I went down to KL to apply and made a return trip a week later. It was straight forward except I was told the form I downloaded was outdated! I told this lady at the window that's what was there on their 'official website', how were I to know it was outdated. She wasn't friendly at all, scowled at me as if it was my fault, gave me a copy of the new one and told me to use the new form next time!

BB