Some recent cases.
New Zealander working in Dubai with a Chinese wife and children, who are all Chinese nationals. Coming to China on leave so obtains a 6 month multi-entry visa in Dubai. Refused entry at the border. The Dubai embassy should have known that they can now only issue multi-entry visas to Dubai nationals. Leaves tearful wife and children to carry on and returns to Hong Kong to get a three week S/E visitor visa, only issued once, not renewable, so leave cut down to less than three weeks.
Norwegian working in China. Chinese wife, children and own property. Cannot renew his visa in China or Hong Kong, same reasons as above. Has to fly back to Oslo with a stack of paperwork to get a multi entry visa.
British, married to second Chinese wife living in China. He will have to return to the UK to renew his visa. His son by his first marriage has a British passport. He cannot renew this visa in China or Hong Kong and cannot take him to the UK because it would breach the divorce settlement and he would lose custody.
You think you’ve got troubles.