Foreigners' original visas will remain valid when they intend to extend their stay in China starting in September, Beijing's exit-entry administration said on Thursday.

Currently, if foreign nationals want to prolong their stays in the country, their original visas, whether expired or not, must be canceled, according to the administration under the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau.

"It was inconvenient and became the main target of most foreigners' complaints," said Chen Yan, a police officer who processes foreigners' visas.