Demand for mainland China travel permits surges as Hong Kong ethnic minority groups hail move
- Hong Kong permanent residents with foreign passports can apply for Beijing’s new five-year multi-entry mainland China travel permit on July 10
The demand for bookings on Tuesday followed the announcement by the National Immigration Administration the previous day, allowing permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau – regardless of their nationality and occupation – to apply for the permit starting on July 10.
Candidates have to file an online application to China Travel Service (Holdings), the central government agency that issues travel documents for the mainland, and can schedule an appointment at service centres within 28 days starting from Tuesday.
The website at 11.30am said the appointment “quota is full today” although service resumed in the afternoon.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said earlier on Tuesday that online reservations were almost full and the government would continue to negotiate with the agency to facilitate applications.
“The new measure can enhance the unique status and advantages of Hong Kong,” he said, highlighting it as an example of the “one country, two systems” governing principle.