Latest news with #StarryLeeWai-king
South China Morning Post
15-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong multiple-entry scheme ‘likely to cover more mainland cities this year'
A multiple-entry scheme granting Shenzhen residents unlimited trips to Hong Kong is likely to be expanded this year to cover travellers from other mainland Chinese cities, the city's sole representative in the nation's top legislative body has said, while calling for Beijing and Shanghai's inclusion under the policy. Advertisement Delegate Starry Lee Wai-king of the National People's Congress Standing Committee also said on Saturday that Hong Kong's travel sector was an important element in promoting more international exchanges. The promotion push was listed as a priority for Hong Kong by Beijing officials at China's recently concluded key political meetings, known as the ' two sessions '. Last November, mainland authorities announced that more than 10 million Shenzhen residents could apply for visas allowing them an unlimited number of trips to Hong Kong within a one-year period, with each visit capped at seven days. Lee said on Saturday that she expected the scheme to expand this year to more mainland cities, while calling for Beijing and Shanghai's inclusion on the list. Advertisement 'I personally think, beyond the cities within the Greater Bay Area that could be considered for the expansion of the multiple-entry visa scheme, Beijing and Shanghai could also be considered, as these cities have relatively large populations and they are quite far away from Hong Kong, which means that visitors can stay longer if they come to visit,' she said.
South China Morning Post
09-02-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Key Hong Kong delegate to suggest expanding visa scheme during ‘two sessions'
Hong Kong's sole delegate to the nation's top legislative body has revealed a plan to propose extending the multiple-entry visa scheme recently resumed for Shenzhen residents to other nearby mainland Chinese cities during the 'two sessions' in Beijing next month. Starry Lee Wai-king, who sits on the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said on Sunday that she would suggest expanding the scheme in stages to other cities in the Greater Bay Area during the annual legislative session in Beijing. 'I suggest considering Guangzhou as a prioritised starting point, as it has a very close relationship with Hong Kong,' she said. The bay area refers to Beijing's plan to integrate Hong Kong, Macau and nine southern mainland cities into an economic powerhouse. The NPC and the nation's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, are expected to hold their annual meetings or lianghui in the capital next month. Lee, who is also a Hong Kong lawmaker, added there was capacity for the city to receive more tourists, according to her observations during the Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays.
