China relaxes Hong Kong visa norms for Shenzhen, Zhuhai; multiple entries allowed

The revised policy reinstates a multiple-entry system from 2009, which was restricted in 2015 when Shenzhen residents were limited to one visit to Hong Kong per week, state-run Xinhua reported.

What new visa policy means

The earlier restriction aimed to address concerns about mainland traders frequently buying goods for resale due to lower taxes in Hong Kong. Now, the return of the more flexible visa policy is welcomed by Hong Kong, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality that depend on tourism.

Last month, Hong Kong’s leader John Lee proposed further enhancements to Beijing, aiming to boost the city’s economy by encouraging more mainland visitors.

Visa norms also relaxed for Zhuhai, Guangdong residents

Additionally, visa rules for residents of Zhuhai, another southern Guangdong city, have also been relaxed. Starting January 1, Zhuhai residents will be allowed to enter Macao once a week for stays of no longer than seven days, a significant improvement from the previous policy, which allowed entry only once every two months.

The Hong Kong government announced that over 10 million Shenzhen residents will be eligible for the new visa. This policy shift is anticipated to boost key sectors, including tourism, catering, and retail.

In September, Hong Kong welcomed 3.1 million visitors, though this remained 30% below the levels seen in the same month in 2018, before the city faced prolonged social unrest and three years of COVID-19 isolation. According to Bloomberg, about 75% of these visitors came from mainland China.Torrential rains wreak havoc in northern Malaysia, displacing over 122,000