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| The new visa rule further relaxes entry to the mainland by non-Chinese residents in HK |
Both permanent and non-permanent residents in Hong Kong who are not Chinese, can now apply for visas to the Mainland for up to five years, and stay there for up to 180 days.
However, the new visa rule which takes effect
immediately, does not apply to foreign domestic workers, who are given visas
for the sole purpose of accompanying their employers to China for tourism,
family visit and shopping.
But it is a
step up to the five-year travel card issued exclusively to non-Chinese
permanent residents in Hong Kong stating in July this year, which allows them
stays for up to 90 days and use of the speedier e-gates at immigration.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
Previously, all non-Chinese residents in Hong Kong,
whether permanent or not, were required visas to enter like any other tourists.
They could apply for visas with single or multiple entries with a validity
period of six months or longer, depending on their nationality.
According to the Commissioner’s Office of the
Foreign Ministry, the new rule which covers all Hong Kong residents holding
foreign passports, applies to applicants going to the mainland for business,
travel, family visits, as well as cultural and academic exchanges.
"[This is] to facilitate personnel exchanges
between Hong Kong and the mainland, [and] support Hong Kong’s integration into
the overall development of the country," the office said in a statement.
Applicants will not need to submit a receipt for
return transport tickets and hotel bookings. They also will not have to get
their fingerprints recorded again if they underwent the procedure during a
previous visa application.
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