By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-10-18 01:34:39 | Updated at 2024-10-18 04:28:22
3 hours ago
Foreign business chambers in Hong Kong have hailed the relaxed multi-entry visa rules for non-permanent residents in the city travelling to mainland China, saying the move made the country more appealing as a destination for global professionals while reducing administrative hassles.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced in his annual policy address on Wednesday that foreign employees at overseas companies registered in Hong Kong would be eligible for multi-entry visas for cross-border travel that would be valid for five years, up from the current two.
Lee said the move was intended to promote Hong Kong’s development as a base for multinationals and reinforce the city’s status as an international trading hub.
Residents travelling to the mainland for business, tourism, family visits and cultural and academic exchanges can apply for the visas, which permit stays of up to 180 days at a time.
Harley Seyedin, president of the Guangzhou-based American Chamber of Commerce in South China, said the new policy would enhance the country’s appeal as a destination for global professionals as they could more easily live in Hong Kong and work over the border.
“The availability of long-term multiple-entry visas enables foreign professionals to establish deeper connections with mainland businesses, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration,” Seyedin said. “This not only enriches the local workforce but also helps companies tap into diverse skill sets essential for competitiveness in a global market.”
