As Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao links expand, and the quest for talent grows, many expatriates living in Hong Kong find they frequently need to visit Shenzhen, Zhuhai and further afield in the GBA.
On 10 July, the Chinese Government started issuing a card-type document to Hong Kong permanent residents holding foreign passports, allowing them to pass through the border as easily as Hong Kong’s Chinese citizens.
Previously, cross-border travel required a passport and lengthy visa application process.
The Hong Kong SAR Government has welcomed the move by the Chinese Government to issue the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens). The measure will enhance convenience of clearance at control points, facilitating their visit to the mainland for business, leisure and visiting relatives.
Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee said during the 1 July handover celebrations: “At this important moment when Hong Kong residents celebrate together our return to the motherland, I am grateful to the Central Government for introducing the measure in support of Hong Kong again, which demonstrates our country’s care and support for the HKSAR all along. Under the new measure, individuals holding the card will be able to enjoy self-service clearance at control points of the mainland, significantly enhancing clearance efficiency.”
He pointed out that many non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents have deep roots in Hong Kong who have been making significant contributions to the development of Hong Kong.
“This measure is not limited to any nationality or industry, which fully highlights Hong Kong’s unique status under one country, two systems and greatly helps Hong Kong maintain its international character and diversity, thereby providing a significant incentive for companies and talent from around the world to settle in Hong Kong,” Mr Lee said.
Under the new measure, all non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents can submit their applications to the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) for cards, permitting travelling to the mainland multiple times without the need to apply for a separate visa. Cards will be valid for five-years and each stay may not exceed 90 days.
Mainland authorities are responsible for card application, approval and issuance.
This arrangement complements the northbound multiple-entry visa initiative Mr Lee announced in his 2023 Policy Address, meeting the aspirations of various sectors of the Hong Kong community on all fronts.
The change dovetails with efforts to build a high-level talent hub and the Hong Kong SAR Government has been maintaining close communication with mainland authorities, striving to promote the southbound-northbound two-way flow of talent and has received positive responses from the mainland.
District Councillor and deputy school head Rizwan Ullah told broadcaster RTHK that ethnic minority residents often find the application process for travel visas to be complicated. He said the new card will make it more convenient for students to go on mainland study trips.
The head of Hong Kong’s investment promotion agency InvestHK, Alpha Lau, said foreign residents are hailing the new arrangement.
"So far, in one day, I've already gotten a lot of very positive feedback from foreign chambers to say how wonderful the Hong Kong Government is for doing this, for facilitating this together with the Central Government," she told reporters.
The measure also applies to Macao permanent residents who hold foreign passports.