Nationals of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will enjoy relaxed rules when applying for multiple-entry visas for travel or business, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced on Wednesday.
As part of a push to foster closer ties with countries in Southeast Asia, the government will also extend the validity period of multiple-entry visas for the three countries from two years to three.
The authorities will speed up the processing of visas from group visitors who applied through local travel agents, Lee announced during the 2024 Policy Address at the legislature.
“In addition, we will provide self-service immigration clearance for invited persons participating in business, development and related activities from the 10 ASEAN countries, and provide one-stop handling of their applications for self-service immigration clearance and visa through a dedicated desk,” the city’s leader added.
He also told lawmakers that the requirement for visitors to furnish an arrival or departure card is cancelled, “facilitating a faster and more convenient immigration clearance.”
In July, Lee toured members of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries in an effort to promote Hong Kong and attract talent.
2024 Policy Address in full:
- Activists urge democracy, free press and enhanced worker rights outside legislature
- Hong Kong cuts tax on premium liquor amid slump in bar business
- Hong Kong expands top talent scheme as city seeks to attract ‘high-calibre talent’
- Multiple-entry visa rules for Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar citizens relaxed
- Hong Kong to phase out subdivided units under 8 sq. metres, but ‘coffin homes’ to stay
- Chief Exec. John Lee urges religious, language and catering support for Muslim visitors
- Hong Kong revives loan concession scheme to support small and medium enterprises
- New HK$5k monthly subsidy for elderly to live in Guangdong care homes
- Loan-to-value ratio for home mortgages to be relaxed amid home price slump
- Young Hongkongers to get better chance of buying subsidised flats
- Gov’t to launch online emotional support platform for young people after spate of suicides
- Gov’t to test locally trained GenAI for document processing
- Concern group ‘disappointed’ with subdivided flat phase-out, urges rehousing plan
- SMEs should reform and improve, leader John Lee says amid a wave of biz closures
- Gov’t to test locally trained GenAI for document processing
- Hong Kong’s third medical school to be built in Northern Metropolis
- Chief Exec. John Lee says democratic reform is ‘settled’ and ‘not an issue’
