DR. Ken Chu, a national political advisor, has submitted a proposal to optimize the national visa-free transit policy to the ongoing annual session of the country’s top political advisory body.

The latest expansion of the visa-free transit policy has the potential to significantly enhance business travel links between Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland, Dr. Chu, chairman of the Mission Hills Group, stated in his proposal.

While citizens from the 54 countries can currently enter the mainland under the visa-free transit policy for 240 hours, they face some inconveniences during travel. For instance, those visiting Hong Kong or Macao after entering the mainland must reapply for a visa to return, complicating their travel plans, Dr. Chu noted. He advocated for a revision of the policy that would allow travelers to move freely between the mainland and Hong Kong/Macao during the visa-free transit period.

He also suggested implementing differentiated visa policies tailored to specific groups. For example, a Convention and Exhibition Visa could be introduced for business visitors attending the China Hi-tech Fair in Shenzhen and Hong Kong Fintech Week, allowing multiple entries between Hong Kong/Macao and the mainland related to these events.

A Family Reunion Travel Visa could be created to enable families to travel together, and a Long-Term Deep Travel Visa could allow visitors focused on cultural or ecological experiences to stay for extended periods while touring both regions.

As the number of international students in China continues to increase, so too will the need for supportive visa policies for them, according to Dr. Chu.

Currently, students must obtain X visas (X1 for stays over 180 days and X2 for shorter stays), and those wishing to travel between the mainland and Hong Kong/Macao face repeated visa applications.

Dr. Chu recommended an International Student Transit Visa Program that would allow eligible students to travel between these areas multiple times while their visas are valid. (Windy Shao)