Anew travel endorsement pilot scheme permits mainland talent in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to travel to Hong Kong and Macau for multiple-entry exchanges and visits.
Talented professionals in nine GBA cities with specific expertise in certain areas are invited to apply for the new multi-entry talent endorsement.
The pilot scheme, announced by the National Immigration Administration, took effect on 20 February 2023 and applies to all qualified mainland residents.
GBA talent in six categories are eligible to apply for entry permits:
- “Extraordinary talent” who have made outstanding contributions to the GBA’s development or are deemed as “much needed” for their specialised skills;
- Scientific research;
- Education/academia;
- Health sector;
- Legal sector; and
- Other talent recognised by local authorities.
Eligible applicants can apply for travel endorsements from one to five years in duration, depending on the category. This allows holders to travel between mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau multiple times, staying no more than 30 days per trip.
The arrangement grants permit holders more flexibility compared to travel permits for tourists and business visitors, which allow for a maximum stay of seven days in Hong Kong or Macau.
With the introduction of the scheme, employers in the GBA will benefit from reduced administrative hurdles, simplified application procedures and reduced costs.
Additionally, the multiple-entry endorsement option allows eligible applicants to stay and conduct business with greater flexibility in Hong Kong and Macau. It also serves to increase talent mobility around the GBA, as well as enhance cross-boundary collaboration and promotion of overall development of the GBA region.
Business Law Digest is compiled with the assistance of Baker McKenzie. Readers should not act on this information without seeking professional legal advice. You can contact Baker McKenzie by e-mailing Howard Wu (Shanghai) at howard.wu@bakermckenzie.com
