Breaking | Multiple entry visas to Hong Kong for Shenzhen residents will come into effect from December 1

Mainland Chinese authorities announced that from December 1, Shenzhen residents will be able to apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong, allowing them unlimited entry throughout the year, with stays of no more than seven days at a time.

From the same day, Shenzhen authorities will no longer accept visa applications for “one trip per week”, but according to the National Immigration Administration, holders of valid visas will still be able to use them.

Mainland authorities also announced on Friday the introduction of a “one departure per week” policy for Zhuhai residents to neighboring Macau, as well as multiple-entry visas to the city for people staying in the Guangdong-Macau Area of ​​Deep Cooperation in Hengqin from January 1.

Since 2009, Shenzhen residents have been able to apply for an individual visit confirmation, which allowed holders to freely enter Hong Kong within one year.

The multiple-entry rule was replaced in 2015 with a “one-pass-a-week” arrangement following growing complaints from Hong Kong residents about parallel trade and overcrowding in border towns such as Sheung Shui and Tuen Mun.

More to follow…