Hong Kong leader hints multi-entry visas for Shenzhen residents may be revived soon

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has suggested that positive developments regarding the resumption of multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents and the expansion of a “one-trip-per-week” visa scheme to more mainland Chinese cities are imminent.

During a forum on November 28, Lee expressed appreciation to the central government for its support in revitalizing Hong Kong's local tourism industry. He also committed to ensuring the government's full effort in implementing these measures to stimulate various local sectors, Caliber.Az reports citing Chinese media.

Lee acknowledged the central government’s active research and accelerated progress on these initiatives, stating that he expects updates to come soon. At the fifth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area development forum, he emphasized the city’s commitment to promoting personnel exchanges and injecting new momentum into tourism, catering, and retail industries.

In his policy address last month, Lee had revealed that the government had requested the central authorities to resume multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents and extend the “one-trip-per-week” visa scheme to cover more mainland cities. These measures are part of the government's broader strategy to boost visitor arrivals and revive tourism, aiming to encourage consumption amid a slow economic recovery.

By Vafa Guliyeva