The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed and expressed gratitude to the country for announcing that non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents will soon be eligible for Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong & Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens).

The card-type document will enhance convenience of clearance at control points of the Mainland, facilitating non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents’ visit to the Mainland for business, travelling, and visiting relatives. The country’s Exit & Entry Administration will start issuing the card on July 10.

Chief Executive John Lee said that at this important moment when Hong Kong residents celebrate together Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, he is grateful to the central government for introducing  the measure in support of Hong Kong again, demonstrating the country's care and support for the city all along.

Under the new measure, individuals holding the card will be able to enjoy self-service clearance at control points of the Mainland, significantly enhancing clearance efficiency.

Mr Lee noted that many non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents have deep roots in Hong Kong, working diligently and making significant contributions to its development.

Among them, foreign talent working in Hong Kong are particularly keen to better seize the historic opportunities of the country's rapid developments, especially envisioning greater involvement in the building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a world-class bay area, he said.

International talent of Hong Kong companies can enjoy the long-awaited clearance convenience for northbound travel with this card, he added.

The Chief Executive pointed out that the measure is not limited to any nationality or industry, which fully highlights Hong Kong's unique status under “one country, two systems” and greatly helps the city maintain its international character and diversity, thereby providing a significant incentive for companies and talent from around the world to settle here.

All non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents will be able to make applications to China Travel Service (HK) entrusted by the Exit & Entry Administration for travelling to the Mainland multiple times within a five-year validity period, with a stay not exceeding 90 days for each visit, without the need to apply for a separate visa for entry.

The card’s application, approval, and issuance fall within the remit of the Mainland authorities. The facilitation arrangement complements the "northbound" multiple-entry visa initiative as announced in the 2023 Policy Address, meeting the aspirations of various sectors of the Hong Kong community on all fronts.