Multi-entry permits help thousands of parallel traders cross into HK daily
Many are Shenzhen residents carrying multi-entry permits, government sources say
More than 3,000 parallel traders are crossing the border every day and over half of them are Shenzhen residents with multi-entry visit permits, according to government sources.
The figures were revealed by a mainland official during a recent meeting of a newly formed working group between Shenzhen and Hong Kong customs authorities to combat illegal cross-border exports.
The disclosure comes at a time when emotions are running high among North District residents annoyed at the increasing numbers of parallel traders who they blame for pushing up prices of goods in the neighbourhood, blocking streets and littering.
Hundreds of people protested at Sheung Shui MTR station over the weekend, resulting in ugly scenes and scuffles with parallel traders.
"At least 3,000 to 4,000 parallel traders are in operation every day. More than half are mainlanders who carry multiple-entry permits," the source said.
"They make at least two return trips a day, but some can make four to five."
