Multiple-entry Hong Kong visas for Shenzhen residents to resume on December 1

China has eased visa rules for Shenzhen residents traveling to Hong Kong, allowing unlimited visits within a year instead of the previous one-trip-per-week limit.

This came one day after Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu hinted that there would soon be news on the administration's request for changes to visa arrangements for mainland residents visiting Hong Kong.

Starting December 1, residents of Shenzhen will be able to apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong, according to state broadcaster China Central Television.

The visas allow unlimited trips to Hong Kong within a year, with each stay not exceeding 7 days.

Beginning in April 2009, Shenzhen residents were allowed to apply for Individual Visit Endorsements, with holders able to enter and exit the SAR freely within a one-year validity period.

But the scheme was replaced with a "one-trip-per-week" arrangement in 2015 following concerns over parallel trading and overcrowding.

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities also announced that Zhuhai residents can apply for "one-trip-per-week" visas for Macau starting January 1 next year. It allows one trip per natural week to Macau within a year, with each stay not exceeding 7 days.

Residents and residence permit holders in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone can also apply for multiple-entry visas for Macau. It allows unlimited trips to Macau within a year, with each stay not exceeding 7 days.