Applications of mainland travel permits open for non-Chinese permanent residents

The National Immigration Administration announced on Monday that non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau will be able to apply for mainland travel permits starting next Wednesday (Jul 10) to facilitate cross-border personnel exchanges. 

The applications can be submitted to the branches of China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Ltd. The permit will allow the holder to travel to the mainland multiple times within a five-year validity period, with each stay not exceeding 90 days. 

If the permit holders intend to work, study, or engage in news reporting and other activities on the mainland, they must make separate applications to the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong and Macau or the National Immigration Administration. 

Mainland authorities hope the new policy can better convenient personnel exchanges in areas such as businesses and investment, culture and tourism, as well as education and research. 

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his gratitude towards the the Central Government for introducing a supportive measure at this important moment as Hong Kong celebrates its return to the motherland. 

He said that many non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents have deep root in Hong Kong for many years and have made great contributions to the city’s development. 

There are also foreign talent working in Hong Kong who are eager to seize the historical opportunities of the country’s rapid developments, he noted. 

Lee added that under the new measure, Hong Kong’s international talent – regardless of nationality or industry – can enjoy the convenient customs clearance when traveling up north.