In a significant move to enhance connectivity, China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Monday that non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions can begin applying for the Mainland Travel Permit starting July 10.
This announcement coincided with the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, underscoring the enduring ties between the regions. The new policy aims to simplify the process for personnel exchange between the Chinese mainland and the two special administrative regions, fostering deeper integration into China's national development framework.
According to an NIA spokesperson, eligible individuals can submit their applications through the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Ltd or the China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. The Mainland Travel Permit, valid for five years, allows multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
In cases where the travel document is damaged, lost, or expired, replacements can be obtained at the municipal public security bureau's exit-entry administration while in the Chinese mainland. Alternatively, applicants who have left the mainland can seek replacements or reissues via the China Travel Service offices in Hong Kong and Macao.
While the permit facilitates various types of visits, it does not permit holders to engage in work, study, or journalistic activities on the Chinese mainland. Such activities require separate visas or permits.
The introduction of this travel permit is expected to bolster economic and cultural exchanges, supporting the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. Additionally, the NIA emphasized that this measure will further deepen reforms, improve service efficiency, and aid the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, aligning with China's pursuit of high-quality development.
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Foreign HK, Macao permanent residents to get mainland travel permits
cgtn.com
