Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced on March 18 the official implementation of the Special Invitational Personnel Facilitation Scheme for the ten ASEAN countries.
The Special Invitational Personnel Facilitation Scheme is one of the measures related to "increasing inbound tourists" proposed by Lee in his 2024 Policy Address. The scheme is expected to promote economic and trade exchanges and cultural cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN.
According to a report by the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Hong Kong, Lee stated that the scheme aims to provide entry and exit facilitation for ASEAN nationals who have made significant contributions to Hong Kong's economic development or who are attending important events in Hong Kong.
On March 18, the Hong Kong SAR Government's Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Department of Justice will first invite leaders from the ASEAN business and legal sectors who have made significant contributions to Hong Kong's economic development to participate in the scheme. Subsequently, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau will issue invitations to the specially invited persons.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Immigration Department will process applications from invited individuals through a "one-stop" electronic platform, relaxing eligibility requirements, including no longer considering the number of previous visits to Hong Kong and simplifying required documentation. Approved eligibility will be valid for three years, with each visit allowing a stay of two months or more.
Currently, tourists from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam among the ten ASEAN countries require visas to enter Hong Kong. According to the Immigration Department's official website, tourists from Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore continue to enjoy visa-free stays of up to 90 days.
A HKSAR government spokesperson stated that Hong Kong has a long-standing relationship with ASEAN, and ASEAN is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner in goods. Hong Kong highly values its relationship with ASEAN countries. Under this plan, invited individuals can use self-service immigration clearance at all Hong Kong border crossings. Through this plan, Hong Kong hopes to proactively create more convenience for ASEAN businesses and regional leaders.
The new plan aims to facilitate the active participation of invited ASEAN individuals in international events held in Hong Kong, as well as their investment and business activities in Hong Kong, attracting them to use Hong Kong as a springboard to enter the mainland China and global markets, thus contributing to Hong Kong's economic growth.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has pledged to continue actively attracting global talent to Hong Kong and facilitating business activities while effectively implementing border control measures.
In recent years, the HKSAR government has issued a series of visa facilitation measures for ASEAN countries. (End)
