Hong Kong policy address 2023: foreign business chambers welcome multi-entry visa to mainland China, but call for easier travel within Greater Bay Area
- Commerce groups say decision to offer foreign staff of overseas companies registered in Hong Kong longer-validity multi-entry visa is step in right direction
- Foreign business leaders also call for ‘seamless travel’ within Greater Bay Area using only Hong Kong identity cards and option of self-service clearance channels for expats
Foreign business chambers in Hong Kong have welcomed a multi-entry visa for mainland China unveiled in the city leader’s policy address, but have said more can be done to simplify travel within the Greater Bay Area.
The commerce groups were responding to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s plan to offer foreign staff at overseas companies registered in Hong Kong a multi-entry visa to cross the border, valid for a longer period, from Thursday.
Lee outlined the move in his policy address on Wednesday and said authorities wished to encourage more international companies to establish their headquarters in the city, with the government to shorten the processing time for the visas.
Foreigners staying in Hong Kong previously had to apply for a business visa, valid for one year, to travel to the mainland for work purposes, which required a letter of invitation from a trade partner over the border and a detailed itinerary.
Josephine Orgill, chair of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said the change strengthen the city’s position as a stepping stone to the mainland.
