On December 1, 2024, Shenzhen residents eagerly applied for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong, a scheme that allows for unlimited visits within a year, with each visit capped at seven days. This reinstatement follows a suspension in 2015 due to concerns over parallel trading. The number of eligible Shenzhen residents has increased dramatically from 6 million to 18 million, indicating a significant potential market for Hong Kong's tourism and retail sectors [07ffd2cd].
Following the introduction of the new visa scheme, Hong Kong experienced a notable increase in mainland Chinese tourists, with a reported 13% rise in visitors during the first weekend of December. Specifically, 230,994 mainland visitors were recorded on December 7-8, compared to the previous weekend of November 23-24 [50400802]. Finance Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po expressed optimism about the scheme's potential to boost local tourism and retail, although some industry representatives remain skeptical about immediate benefits due to changing consumption patterns. The visa application process was reported to be quick and cost-effective, at just 80 yuan (approximately US$11) [07ffd2cd].
This development comes alongside China's recent expansion of its visa-free entry policy, which now includes nationals from 38 countries, allowing for stays of up to 30 days. This policy change is expected to significantly enhance inbound tourism, with tourism professor Wu Liyun predicting a surge in visitor numbers [34833dfa].
Following the announcement of the visa-free entry on November 22, searches for Chinese destinations surged, with a 65% increase on Trip.com’s European sites and a staggering 112% increase on its Japanese site. China welcomed approximately 24.7 million overseas passport holders from January to September 2024, and 8.2 million foreigners entered the country in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous year [34833dfa].
In particular, Sichuan province has seen a remarkable rise in accommodation registrations for foreign visitors, with 980,000 registrations in 2024, three times the number recorded in 2023. Zhou Mingqi, a tourism expert, emphasized that this visa-free scheme plays a crucial role in enhancing international exchanges and attracting foreign investment [34833dfa].
As Hong Kong prepares for the 2025 Legislative Council elections, the government is considering establishing additional polling stations near the border to facilitate voting for Hongkongers residing in mainland China. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, confirmed that while there are no plans to revise voting laws requiring ballots to be cast within the city, technology will be leveraged to enhance election efficiency [1e60f42f].
In addition, Hong Kong has been issuing multi-entry travel permits to its permanent residents holding foreign passports, with around 20,000 permits granted since July 1, 2024. However, there are still 33,000 applicants pending approval, raising concerns about the limitations on banking and mobile services for new permit holders [2458acc5].
The situation for Hong Kong migrants in Taiwan remains challenging, as many seek better opportunities abroad. Canada's recent policy to grant work permits to Hong Kong permanent residency applicants has opened new avenues for those looking to escape the difficulties they face in Taiwan [f709eb04].
Despite the push for more accessible voting options, local election laws present challenges for remote voting, as ballots must be cast within Hong Kong. The current electoral system, effective since the reforms in 2021, is viewed as effective, but the legal implications of remote voting continue to be a point of contention [1e60f42f].
Lastly, Hong Kong residents who have relocated to the UK are grappling with access to their retirement funds trapped in the Mandatory Provident Fund system, as early withdrawals are not permitted before the age of 65, drawing criticism from those seeking to rebuild their lives abroad [8c255513].