Hong Kong leader eyes resumption of multi-entry visas for Shenzhen residents, scheme expansion

Hong Kong’s leader has expressed optimism that a multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents can be revived and eventually expanded to cover all of Guangdong province, a move he predicts will boost tourism and business exchanges.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu brushed aside concerns on Saturday that the proposal he raised with Beijing would face resistance from mainland Chinese cities over the possibility of losing local consumption to Hong Kong.

“A two-way exchange is better than one way. There will be circulation of economic power and people flow. Only when it goes both ways can you have a multiplier effect and more frequent activities,” Lee told a radio programme.

“It is always positive to get to know each other more. It’s not just for tourism. There could be an increase in a lot of people-to-people contact and businesses that may be exploring collaborations that are not easily detectable or quantifiable.”

In his policy address delivered on Wednesday, Lee said he had proposed to Beijing resuming multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents and to expand a “one-trip-per-week” visa scheme to cover visitors from more mainland cities.