Shenzhen relaxes HK visa rules

SHENZHEN: Permanent residence permit holders here can from today apply for unlimited passes to visit the neighboring city of Hong Kong within a year, local public security authorities said.

"The new rule, which allows application for year-round multiple-entry visas, would help expand individual travels by hukou (residence permit) holders to Hong Kong," said Bian Dongfeng, deputy director of the entry and exit department under the Shenzhen public security bureau.

About 2.2 million Shenzhen residents will benefit from the new visa rule. Previously, they could only apply for a double-entry visa to Hong Kong lasting three months to a year.