SCMP News: 23,000 Mainland Chinese Obtain Multi-Entry Talent Visas to Visit Hong Kong

Overview of New Visa Scheme

More than 23,000 mainland Chinese people have obtained multi-entry talent visas allowing them to stay in Hong Kong for up to 30 days to take part in technology, innovation, culture, and education-related activities since the policy rolled out in February of last year, according to Beijing's immigration authorities.

Peng Ling, head of the Immigration Administration’s exit-entry management authorities, shared the latest figure on Monday, which marked an increase from data released in mid-April that logged 18,000 successful candidates.

“With this visa, they have sufficient time to engage in scientific research exchanges, academic discussions, and other activities in Hong Kong, effectively promoting the free, convenient, and efficient flow of talent and technology,” she said at a regular media briefing in the nation’s capital.

Visa Details and Impact

Central authorities launched the scheme in February 2023, allowing mainland talent in science, technology, innovation, culture, and education sectors to apply for multi-entry visas valid for one to five years, granting stays of up to 30 days each in Hong Kong and Macau. In comparison, the duration of stay is typically seven days for other types of exit endorsements.

Beijing began launching a series of more flexible visa measures between Hong Kong and the mainland in early 2023. Other policies include an extension of the duration of stay for business visits to Hong Kong from seven days to 14, the introduction of multi-entry 'northbound' visas for foreign employees working in the city, and a five-year multi-entry mainland travel permit for Hong Kong’s 270,000 permanent residents who hold foreign passports.

Peng said more than 30,000 requests had been filed for the new permit for Hongkongers with foreign passports since applications launched on July 10.

“Permanent residents holding foreign passports are the builders and contributors to Hong Kong society. Granting them the permits is a significant reform measure that fully and accurately implements the 'one country, two systems' principle,” Peng said.

She noted that the new permit had actively responded to the new needs and expectations of Hong Kong society, and comprehensively accelerated institutional-level opening up in the field of entry and exit.

Peng added that around 312,000 Hong Kong residents had applied for home return permits to the mainland since October 2020, when Beijing launched the policy to simplify the replacement and reapplication process.