China has significantly eased entry regulations for non-Chinese residents living in Hong Kong and Macau to enter mainland China.
On the 1st, the National Immigration Administration of China announced that non-Chinese long-term residents in Hong Kong and Macau will be able to obtain a 5-year travel visa to enter the mainland starting from the 10th. With the relevant visa, visitors can stay in the mainland for up to 90 days per visit.
The authorities stated that this policy aims to stimulate visits to mainland China by non-Chinese from Hong Kong and Macau for business and leisure purposes. Bloomberg News analyzed this, saying, "This measure, announced on the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, appears to be aimed at reinforcing its status as a business hub."
John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, said, "International talents of Hong Kong enterprises will be able to enjoy the long-awaited convenience of traveling to the mainland through this measure."
The 5-year travel visa announced on this day applies only to permanent residents, generally targeting non-Chinese foreign nationals who have continuously resided in Hong Kong or Macau for more than 7 years. To revitalize inbound tourism, China has granted visa-free travel eligibility to more than 12 countries over the past year, including France, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.
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