Excited ethnic students rush to GBA with new permits

A group of ethnic minority students from Hong Kong embarked on their first exchange tour to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) following the issuance of new mainland travel permits for non-Chinese permanent residents, The Standard reported. The three-day trip, involving 28 pupils from Yaumati Kaifong Association School, includes visits to Guangzhou and Foshan, where they will explore cultural sites and engage in traditional Chinese arts. This initiative follows recent policy changes allowing non-Chinese residents in Hong Kong and Macau to obtain permits for multiple visits to mainland China over five years, aimed at fostering deeper integration and cultural understanding. The program is designed to broaden students’ perspectives and enhance their knowledge of Chinese culture and the GBA’s economic development. Participants, including 10-year-old Nepalese student Gurung Shristy, expressed excitement about the opportunity to make new friends and learn more about China. The school plans to expand the program, expecting more students to join future exchanges.