Inaugural group obtains multiple-entry permits to SARs

Six scientific research workers in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, became the first group to obtain multiple-entry endorsement to Hong Kong and Macao on Monday, according to the local immigration authorities.

The endorsement would allow single stays as long as 30 days in either of the two special administrative regions.

Starting on Monday, talented individuals working in six sectors in mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area are able to apply for entry permits ranging from one to five years depending on their eligibility category, according to the National Immigration Administration.

The new policy aims to facilitate scientific research and academic exchanges in the area and promote overall construction of the Greater Bay Area.

"Multiple-entry permits to Hong Kong and Macao are exactly what we want. As scientific researchers, we need to travel to the two SARs frequently for exchanges," said Ji Jing with the Guangzhou Institute of Advanced Technology.

In the past, only one trip to Hong Kong and Macao was allowed per endorsement, with stay time limited to seven days.

"With the new endorsement, we can visit Hong Kong and Macao many times a year and have more time to share our discoveries and ideas," she said.

It takes only seven working days for individuals in Guangdong to apply for the multiple-entry endorsement, according to Huang Yueling, an entry and exit management official with the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau.

"It is an innovative measure to facilitate overall development of the Greater Bay Area that will help deepen exchanges and cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao," Huang said.

The Greater Bay Area includes nine cities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.