In detail
The National Immigration Administration of Mainland China announced a pilot scheme for professionals in nine cities in the GBA with specific expertise in certain areas (described below) to apply for a new multi-entry talent endorsement to enter Hong Kong and Macau. The program took effect on 20 February 2023 and applies to all qualified Mainland residents.
GBA talents from the following six categories of expertise are eligible to apply for such entry permits: (i) "Extraordinary Talents" who have made outstanding contributions to the GBA's development or are deemed as "much needed" for their specialized skills, (ii) scientific research talents, (iii) education / academia talents, (iv) health talents, (v) legal talents and (vi) other talents recognized by local authorities.
Eligible applicants are able to apply for these travel endorsements, ranging from one to five years in duration (depending on the relevant expertise category). This allows holders to travel between Mainland China to Hong Kong and Macau multiple times, staying no more than 30 days per trip. This arrangement therefore grants holders more flexibility when compared to usual travel permits for individual tourists and business tourists which allow for a maximum stay of seven days in Hong Kong or Macau.
With the introduction of this new scheme, employers in the GBA will benefit from reduced administrative hurdles, simplified application procedures and reduced costs. Additionally, this multiple-entry endorsement option will allow eligible applicants to stay and conduct business with greater flexibility in Hong Kong and Macau. It also serves to increase talent mobility around the GBA, as well as enhance cross-boundary collaboration and promotion of the overall development of the GBA region.
For more information, please contact Tess.Lumsdaine@bakermckenzie.com, Jonathan.Isaacs@bakermckenzie.com, Charmaine.Ng@bakermckenzie.com or Zora.Mao@bakermckenziefenxun.com.
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This client alert has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Baker & McKenzie FenXun (FTZ) Joint Operation Office. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this client alert is not an exhaustive treatment of the area of law discussed and no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of material in this presentation is accepted by Baker & McKenzie FenXun (FTZ) Joint Operation Office.
