The Government today launched a scheme to provide convenient immigration arrangements for individuals invited to Hong Kong from countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The policy is aimed at strengthening the city’s economic and trade exchanges, and its cultural co-operation, with the bloc.
Under the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons, relevant policy bureaus and departments will invite ASEAN nationals who they believe can make considerable contributions to Hong Kong’s economic development, or who they wish to attend important events in the city, to take advantage of expedited immigration arrangements.
The Immigration Department will provide one-stop processing of applications from invitees through an electronic platform, relax the application criteria for self-service immigration clearance, and simplify the information required for visa applications.
Stressing that ASEAN has a long-standing relationship with Hong Kong and is the city’s second largest trading partner, the Government said it attaches great importance to co-operation with ASEAN countries.
It added that self-service immigration clearance services at Hong Kong’s control points will greatly enhance clearance efficiency for invitees.
Click here for details of the scheme.
