HK, Macao visit restrictions eased

Central authorities on Friday relaxed restrictions to allow residents in selected areas of Guangdong province to visit Hong Kong and Macao more frequently, just in time for the peak travel season.

This decision has been welcomed by various sectors in the two special administrative regions as a boon to tourist spending.

Starting on Sunday, travel permits will be reinstated, enabling residents of Shenzhen to visit Hong Kong as often as they wish each year, with a maximum stay of seven days per visit, according to a statement from the National Immigration Administration.

Beginning in January, residents of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin will also be eligible to apply for a similar multiple-entry permit for Macao. Residents of Zhuhai will then be able to obtain permits allowing them to visit Macao up to once a week for a maximum of seven days.

In response, Macao's police force on Friday pledged to improve border crossing efficiency, noting that these measures would solidify Macao's status as a global tourism and leisure center while promoting regional integration.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong SAR expressed gratitude to the central government for the policy change.

The spokesperson said this development is expected to boost the tourism, dining and retail sectors in the SAR.

The new arrangements also allow individuals without hukou (household registration documents) but who hold Shenzhen residence permits to obtain multiple-entry travel permits. An official estimate indicates that the expansion will increase the number of eligible Shenzhen residents for multiple-entry permits to over 10 million.

In 2009, the central government introduced a policy allowing Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong as often as desired within a one-year validity period as part of an initiative to support the global financial hub during the financial crisis at that time.

However, the influx of mainland travelers quickly overwhelmed entry and exit checkpoints and urban centers, straining relations with locals. Some Shenzhen residents even exploited the permits for illicit smuggling activities, leading authorities to cap such crossings to once a week in 2015.

The relaxation almost a decade later has been hailed by many as a "cardiac stimulant" for local businesses, with numerous observers recognizing the vital role that mainland consumers play in helping the business sector navigate challenging times.

Peter Shiu Ka-fai, a Hong Kong legislator representing the wholesale and retail sector, told local media that the consumption patterns of mainland tourists have evolved over the years, and they are more inclined to explore various areas in depth rather than merely visiting established attractions, requiring local businesses to adapt accordingly.

This relaxation of restrictions coincides with Hong Kong's efforts to attract more visitors through hosting concerts, exhibitions and other mega-events. Officials, including Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, have sought the central authority's support to restore the previous travel policy to facilitate these plans.

Now with the relaxation just a few days away, Hong Kong SAR Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki instructed all departments at an internal conference on Thursday to collaborate and ensure the smooth operation of ports, tourism facilities and public transport to enhance travel experiences.

Dennis Lam Shun-chiu, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress — the country's top legislature — said that this reinstatement is timely. He noted that various tourist-drawing events, including drone shows, fireworks displays, concerts and the New Year's countdown, are just around the corner.

Since early this year, many restrictions have been eased to provide mainland residents with increased flexibility when visiting Hong Kong and Macao.

Notably, 10 new cities across the nation have been added to the existing list of locations whose residents can now visit Hong Kong and Macao without the need to join tour groups. Additionally, the duty-free allowance for mainland residents returning from Hong Kong has been raised.

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, on Friday recommended that Hong Kong authorities promote payment methods favored by mainland consumers, such as electronic payments and the digital RMB, and suggested exempting fees for cross-border transactions to encourage spending.

Peng Peng, executive president of the Guangdong Society of Reform, said that the new travel policies related to Macao are highly beneficial for Hengqin's real estate sector, which is close to Macao.

"The new permit policy will attract talent to Hengqin and play a key role in promoting the integrated development of Macao and Hengqin," Peng said.