Fast-track entry for invited Asean visitors

Cheng Wong

A faster and more convenient immigration scheme has taken effect for invited persons from 10 states from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with hopes of attracting them to leverage Hong Kong as a gateway to mainland and international markets.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu indicated that invited Asean individuals attending important events in the city will receive immigration facilitation, including self-service clearance and one-stop handling of their visa applications at a dedicated desk.

Lee said relevant policy bureaus and departments - including the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau - will send invitations to selected individuals, starting with Asean business and legal leaders who significantly contribute to Hong Kong's economic development.

He said the Immigration Department will process their applications in a one-stop process through an electronic platform, while relaxing application criteria - such as no longer considering frequencies of past visits and simplifying the submission of information.

Approved qualifications will be valid for three years, allowing a stay of two months or more per visit, with access to self-service clearance.

Lee said Asean is one of Hong Kong's closest global economic partners and its second-largest trading partner. He added: "The new scheme aims to facilitate invited Asean individuals in actively participating in Hong Kong's international events, investing and conducting business while encouraging them to use Hong Kong as a springboard for entering mainland and global markets, contributing to the city's economic growth," he said.

Lawmaker Frankie Ngan Man-yu from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong welcomed the move, saying it provides greater convenience for Asean leaders in the business and professional sectors and it will promote economic and cultural cooperation between the region and Hong Kong.

"Back in 2022, the DAB visited five Asean countries - Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore - and engaged with local business and professional communities," Ngan said.

"Many local business leaders recognized the limitless opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, but they indicated that Hong Kong's immigration measures were a significant consideration."

Ngan said the move will attract high-end talent from Asean countries, helping the city become a hub for international talent and boosting Asean businesses' interest in investing in Hong Kong and the GBA markets.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com