Since February of 2024, Hong Kong authorities have processed 493 applications for multiple-entry tourist visas, revealing a marked increase in visa applications from Vietnamese nationals.
Of these applications, a majority of 490 have been successfully approved, representing a 99.3 percent approval rate, VisaGuide.World reports.
This surge in visa applications follows the implementation of a new visa policy announced by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, in October last year.
The policy review aimed to simplify visa regulations for Vietnamese nationals intending to visit Hong Kong for tourism or business purposes, particularly by facilitating multiple-entry visas.
Since the implementation of the new visa policy, the monthly approval rate for multiple-entry visas for Vietnamese citizens has experienced a remarkable increase, escalating nearly sixfold compared to the figures recorded in 2019.
Hong Kong Visa Policy Update: Two-Year Multiple-Entry, 14-Day Stay
Under the revised visa regulations, multiple-entry visas typically offer a maximum validity period of two years, giving holders the flexibility to travel to Hong Kong multiple times within this time frame.
However, any stay in Hong Kong is subject to a limit of no more than 14 days per visit, ensuring compliance with immigration protocols and regulations.
In addition to introducing facilitations to its tourist visa, Hong Kong has also made changes in the policy for those who want to reach the country for work purposes.
Following Hong Kong’s employment visa policy for qualified Vietnamese nationals, the latter also extended visa policy relaxations to Lao and Nepali nationals in October 2023, especially for individuals seeking employment or training opportunities in Hong Kong and pursuing studies in institutions funded by the University Grants Commission.
Under these revised regulations, citizens from these nations above who are employed by companies registered in Hong Kong are now eligible to submit applications for mainland multiple-entry visas, which offer a validity period of two years or more.
These applications can be processed through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Hong Kong, providing a simple route for eligible individuals to obtain their visas efficiently.
Hong Kong Receives 132 Working Visa Applications from Vietnamese, Laotian & Nepali Skilled Workers
Following the initiation of its visa program targeting skilled workers from Vietnam, Laos, and Nepal, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China disclosed receiving a total of 132 applications for working visas as of February 29, 2024.
Among these applications, Vietnamese skilled workers accounted for 42 submissions, with a notable portion of 31 being successfully approved.
In addition to the above policy adjustments to the visa, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee unveiled plans to introduce a Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, further enhancing the territory’s appeal to international investors.
Under the proposed scheme, eligible investors who commit to investments totaling $30 million or more in specified assets will be granted the opportunity to apply for entry into Hong Kong.