BEIJING (Reuters), Despite China’s stringent restrictions on international travel in its zero tolerance approach to COVID-19, British businesses operating there are still concerned. But they remain optimistic over last year.

The British Chamber of Commerce Beijing stated that it was difficult for foreign employees to come into China due to inconsistent and opaque visa policies.

China is one of the countries that has slowly allowed international travel to Asia. However, it still maintains strict restrictions such as long quarantines and limitations on visas and flights.

China today feels more disconnected from the rest of the world than ever since it joined the World Trade Organisation 20 years ago. The chamber stated that China’s contrast is striking as international travel begins to rebound globally.

The survey had 288 participants. It found that nearly 25% of respondents saw foreign workforce numbers decline in 2021. 41% expected numbers to fall significantly next year due to concerns about separation from loved ones or uncertainty over returning.

They voice similar concerns to business organizations representing American and European businesses.

China has maintained its COVID controls as an effective method to protect its citizens. Officials have stated that they won’t change anytime soon. However, the government has promised to relax rules for U.S. business travelers.

British surveys found that recovery from the pandemic-related disruption was “fragile,” however, Chinese firms seem more optimistic than ever about China’s future prospects.

It found that around two-fifths of companies expect their earnings to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2021, while nearly half anticipate an increase over last year. According to 2020’s survey only 30% expected higher earnings than in the previous year.

Nearly half the respondents came from education and professional services.

The uncertainty of China’s cybersecurity regulations, and rising labour cost were also concerns raised by companies.