The return of multi-entry visas for Shenzhen residents will be crucial for Hong Kong’s tourism recovery and balancing out the impact of locals spending across the border, observers have said, while stressing the need for action from authorities and the business sector.
Beijing announced on Friday that Shenzhen residents could apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong from December 1. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had hinted on Thursday the city would soon have positive news to share over his administration’s request for changes to visa arrangements for some mainland Chinese tourists.
Terence Chong Tai-leung, executive director of the Lau Chor Tak Institute of Global Economics and Finance at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, called for an even wider scope for multi-entry visas, beyond just Shenzhen residents.
“We need visitors the most, no matter by what means. As long as people come, there will be basic consumption needs, especially for long-distance travellers. It is crucial for us to open up our door to more mainland cities such as those from Mongolia or more distant places,” Chong said.
“These visitors will surely stay overnight. They will need to eat and have a place to sleep regardless of not buying things, unlike those from Shenzhen who opt for in-depth experience and leave the same day.”
In his policy address earlier in the year, Lee said authorities had made proposals to the government about relaxing rules, which included restoring the multi-entry Individual Visit Endorsements for Shenzhen residents and broadening the pilot cities for a “one-trip-per-week” arrangement.