The National Immigration Administration of China has published six new measures to facilitate border crossings between the mainland, Macau and Hong Kong.
The new measures will take effect after the Labor Day Golden Week on May 6, with the mainland authority expecting 100 million companies to benefit.
According to the authority, they aim to “promote a high level of opening to the outside world and further facilitate the entry and exit to and from [the] mainland.”
Wang Ling, the deputy head of the entry-exit administrative department, stated that the policy adjustment would be advantageous for 100 million privately owned businesses and employees from 30,000 companies holding multiple business visas.
The first measure moves the full process of requesting and renewing passports and travel permits online.
The measure will be implemented in 20 cities including Beijing as a pilot project and will be expanded nationwide later.
Those aged 16 and above with registered permanent residence status who apply for the replacement and reissue of ordinary passports, as well as travel permits to and from Hong Kong and Macau, as well as from Taiwan, can submit their applications online through the National Immigration Administration service platform.
The second and fourth measures will likely have a higher impact on Macau and Hong Kong.
These are related to the issuance of business visas for both SARs, which will be expedited nationwide and the duration of these visas.
Mainland residents who apply for business visas to Hong Kong and Macau can submit their applications at any entry-exit management point of the public security bureau across the country.
Those applying for multiple business visas can use the smart visa process to get the visa immediately.
These visas will include an extension of the period of stay from seven to 14 days at a time.
The third measure is related to assisting the circulation of highly qualified staff from Beijing and Shanghai, who will be able to apply for “talent visas” for Hong Kong and Macau.
This measure applies to six different categories including outstanding talent, scientific research talent, cultural and educational talent, health talent, legal talent, and management talent.
These people can apply for multiple visas with validity periods ranging from one to five years, individually or at the same time, based on their qualifications.
Those approved under this scheme will have their stays in Hong Kong or Macau capped to 30 days at a time.
In a much-awaited measure that has received a lot of attention and calls from local lawmakers in the past year, the National Immigration Administration has also decided to issue a series of multiple entry visas to Macau for those aiming to take part in a series of activities.
The activities include participation in conventions and exhibitions, seeking medical treatment or engaging in performing arts.
These multiple-entry visas will have a duration of one year at any entry-exit port across the country with relevant supporting documents.
Those coming to Macau for medical treatment will be allowed to add one or two accompanying persons to the same visa.
The last of the six measures applies to tour groups to Hengqin that will be granted access to Macau at the same time for “two locations tours.”
This type of visa allows those traveling in a tour group, after entering Macau, to travel to and from Hengqin and Macau multiple times via Hengqin Port within seven days using the same group visa.
CE praises the measures
After the announcement, the Chief Executive (CE), Ho Iat Seng, on behalf of the government, thanked the Central government and the National Immigration Administration.
In a statement to the press, the CE said the new measures are very favorable and will contribute to consolidating Macau’s role as a world tourism and leisure center, as well as further enhancing the development of Macau’s bid to diversify the economy.
Ho said Macau “is well prepared to receive more tour groups from the mainland and attract high-quality qualified personnel,” promising to continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with all parties.
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