Effective May 6, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has announced the implementation of six new measures and policies to facilitate the movement of citizens and businesspeople between Mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong.
The measures include:
- New online processing of applications for the renewal and replacement of entry certificates in any of 20 Mainland cities;
- Submission anywhere in China of applications for business visit endorsement for Mainland residents going to Hong Kong and Macau, regardless of the applicant’s place of household registration or residence;
- Extension of the period of stay in Hong Kong and Macau for holders of business endorsements from 7 days to 14 days;
- Expansion to Beijing and Shanghai of applications for exit endorsement for talents in six categories;
- Visas for over one year for Mainland residents who go to Macau to participate in exhibitions, seek medical treatment or engage in performing arts and other activities;
- Facilitation of excursions from the Mainland to Macau and Hong Kong.
The talent exit endorsement has been implemented in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) on a pilot basis since February 20, 2023. Under the new measure, apart from the expansion of application to Beijing and Shanghai, other existing arrangements of the talent exit endorsement remain unchanged. The six categories of talents (i.e. outstanding talents, scientific research talents, education talents, healthcare talents, legal talents, and other talents) who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to the Mainland authorities for a talent exit endorsement with a validity period of five years, three years, or one year. They can travel to and from Hong Kong or Macau multiple times within the validity period of the exit endorsement and stay in Hong Kong for a duration not exceeding 30 days during each visit.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.