Hong Kong relaxes visa policy for Vietnamese

Hong Kong has relaxed its policy, allowing Vietnamese people to use multiple-entry visas, a move welcomed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on October 25 that the visa policy for Vietnamese people would be relaxed. Previously, Vietnamese people coming to Hong Kong for tourism or business purposes (working, attending conferences, seminars) were only granted single-entry visas. With the new policy, Vietnamese citizens will be granted visas that allow multiple entries into Hong Kong within two years, with each stay lasting up to 14 days, according to SCMP .

Applicants for this type of visa need to have visited at least two countries at least three times within the past three years, or have studied, worked or trained in Hong Kong within the two years before applying.

Mr. Lee also announced that Hong Kong will open its doors to talented people from Vietnam, Laos and Nepal to work, train or study at the city's eight public universities.

Vietnam and the two countries were previously excluded from the special administrative region's Talent Recruitment Scheme, which aims to attract highly skilled people to work in Hong Kong without having to secure a job before moving.

A corner of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2021. Photo: Reuters

At a press conference today, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang highly appreciated Hong Kong's decision to ease visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens. "Vietnam and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China) are important economic partners. Simplifying visa procedures will bring practical benefits to both economies, as well as people and businesses on both sides," said Ms. Hang.

Ms. Hang said that Vietnam has asked partners, including Hong Kong, to consider simplifying visa procedures or exempting entry visas for citizens. "This helps increase trade, travel, and people-to-people exchanges, contributing to promoting the development of friendly relations and cooperation between Vietnam and its partners," the spokesperson emphasized.

Vu Anh

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