Apec business travel card holders can apply for new mainland China travel permit for Hongkongers

Apec business travel card holders can apply for a new five-year mainland China travel permit for non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents, the chairman of the agency handling applications has clarified.

Confusion over their eligibility arose after notices posted at the service counters at the Mong Kok and Tuen Mun centres of China Travel Service (Hong Kong) (CTS) on Wednesday informed people that if they applied for the new permit, their other forms of mainland visas would be cancelled. Those holding Apec business travel cards were not eligible for the new permit, the notices said.

But CTS Hong Kong chairman Perry Yiu Pak-leung later clarified that those with valid Apec business travel cards could apply, according to his understanding.

“It is OK for Apec business travel card holders to apply for the new permit. All they need to do is bring all three documents required, including a valid passport, Hong Kong ID card and the document issued by the Immigration Department,” Yiu said.

He was referring to a “Notice of Application for Access to Information” stating their Hong Kong permanent resident status and nationality information.

“The goal of the new permit is to facilitate their return to the mainland and reduce their inconvenience,” he said.

The new five-year permit allows non-Chinese nationals with permanent residency in Hong Kong and Macau to enter the mainland multiple times for purposes such as visiting relatives, tourism, business, seminars and exchanges, up to 90 days each stay.