New immigration scheme seeks to boost HK economy

Policy bureaus and departments will invite ASEAN nationals who can boost Hong Kong's economy.

The government has launched the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons, streamlining immigration arrangements for invited persons from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to promote economic and trade exchanges and cultural cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN nations.

Currently, frequent travellers to Hong Kong can apply for self-service immigration clearance. Amongst the 10 ASEAN countries, visitors from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam need a visa to visit Hong Kong.

Under the scheme, relevant policy bureaus and departments will actively invite ASEAN nationals who can significantly contribute to Hong Kong's economic development or who have been invited to attend important events in Hong Kong to enjoy the facilitation.

The Immigration Department (ImmD) will provide one-stop processing of relevant applications from invited persons through an electronic platform, relax the application criteria for self-service immigration clearance, and simplify the information required for visa applications.

Additionally, to provide facilitation to group visitors from these ASEAN countries, the ImmD has also introduced a fast-track arrangement for visit visa applications submitted via local travel agents.