Police revamps Arrival Card scheme

New version of the arrival card

The Public Security Police Force (PSP) has been working on the optimization and replacement of the Arrival Card for non- residents. It is expected to be completed by  March 31.

The Immigration Department of the PSP has been implementing the “Non- stamping Immigration Clearance Policy” since July 2013, issuing a printed Arrival Card to inbound visitors. Starting from  January 1, 2014, the scheme was extended to cover persons granted any of the six types of Authorization to Stay. They receive a printed Slip of Authorization to Stay instead of a stamp in their travel document.

According to a statement issued yesterday by PSP, “the purpose for this optimization is to make the status of stay clear to the non-residents. No amendment is made to the current conditions or limitations of stay applicable to non-residents.”

During the replacement period, the old version and new version of Arrival Card will be in use. Starting from April 1, only the new version of the Arrival Card will be in use.

Non-residents holding the old version of Arrival Card issued on or before  March 31 may remain in Macau until the limit of stay specified on the Card.

The PSP stressed that according to the current immigration laws, non-residents who stay in Macau beyond the limit of stay specified on the card or do not leave Macau within a specific period after the Authorization to Stay is revoked will be regarded as illegally staying in Macau.