China’s immigration authorities have declared a significant extension to the duration of business trips for Chinese mainland residents visiting Hong Kong and Macao. Effective from May 6th, individuals will now be permitted to stay for up to 14 days per visit, doubling the previous allowance of seven days.
The move, aimed at fostering smoother business exchanges between the Chinese mainland and the two regions, forms part of a comprehensive set of new measures designed to streamline immigration processes and enhance international interactions, thereby advancing the country’s commitment to high-level openness.
Among the newly introduced measures is the simplification of procedures for passport issuance and the facilitation of travel for Chinese mainland residents to Hong Kong and Macao. Notably, individuals from the mainland can now apply for business travel permits to these regions at immigration bureaus nationwide, rather than solely at registered locations as previously required.
Experts have welcomed these initiatives, highlighting their potential to stimulate the economies of Hong Kong and Macao, creating fresh business prospects and infusing vigor into their development. Liang Haiming, Chairman of the China Silk Road iValley Research Institute, underscored the economic benefits, noting that increased travel from the mainland will drive activity across various sectors including tourism, retail, hotels, and dining, thereby bolstering economic growth in both regions.
The emphasis on facilitating travel for mainland professionals and skilled workers is expected to generate further business opportunities in Hong Kong and Macao, while also enriching the local talent pool and fostering cross-regional knowledge exchange, according to Liang.
Moreover, the expansion of travel permissions to include multiple entries to Hong Kong and Macao for skilled talent from major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, coupled with the issuance of multiple-entry visas for various activities, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing mobility and connectivity within the region.
Furthermore, the National Immigration Administration will initiate pilot programs for online applications for passport replacement or reissuance and exit-entry permits for travel to and from Hong Kong and Macao, aimed at enhancing efficiency and convenience for travelers.
These developments coincide with the ongoing integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the implementation of new travel policies, which are expected to further facilitate interactions and foster closer economic ties among residents of the three areas.
As evidence of this trend, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge border control reported that, as of Saturday afternoon, the bridge had facilitated over 10 million vehicle crossings, underscoring the growing convenience and interconnectedness among the regions.