The latest BS requirement in this trend at my Chinese contract job is the requirement of USA passport (only USA) holders to have a face to face interview with the Police Chief in order to renew your working/resident visa.
I wouldn't be surprised if he came up with that masterplan because he thought this practice would get him some pocket money for his kids studying in the USA. After all, it's practice in China to decently leave an envelope with $$$ on the table when you leave an officials office
(or alternatively, take him to massage and get wasted)