SUNDAY POST: VISA NIGHTMARE FOR FOREIGNERS ON MAINLAND

2 cases of South African women - seems both are teachers. They have been told at the local visa office in Shanghai + Beijing that they need to go to Hong Kong to get a visa extension. It seems not any info about the "33 country list" (South Africa is one) given to them in Shanghai + Beijing and that these nationals need to apply now in their home country.
Cheap trick: Let them go first to HK - then let them find out the truth themselves. At least they are "out" + most of them wont make it back too easily as they first need to go back home to get a "new china visa". Cheers !
Please also see this 2 links:
http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp%20file=/2008/5/4/columnists/beijingexpress/21139773&sec=beijingexpress
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/92066/China-visa-restrictions-hit-Filipino-tourists