Simon Manning, a British national and the managing director of Nina Hospitality in Hong Kong, is urging the expansion of a new permit scheme designed to simplify travel for foreigners to mainland China. The scheme, which grants permit holders access to self-service clearance machines at border checkpoints, significantly streamlines the travel process, offering a much smoother and efficient experience.
Manning, who oversees operations at eight hotels and residences in Hong Kong, was among the first to personally experience the benefits of this new system. On Tuesday, he effortlessly crossed the border at the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint using the self-service e-channel.
Manning was one of the first applicants for the new five-year multi-entry travel permits to mainland China, announced on July 1st. He activated his permit at the Lo Wu port by having his fingerprints scanned, granting him access to self-service channels for future trips.
The introduction of this permit marks a significant change for foreign residents in Hong Kong, offering a convenient and efficient alternative to the previous, more bureaucratic visa process.
Manning, a member of the British Chamber of Commerce, recalls facing delays at manual counters even with an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card, which previously allowed him to travel to the mainland without a visa. While his colleagues could use self-service machines, he would often be left waiting while they proceeded through passport control. The new permit eliminates this disparity, putting foreign travelers on an equal footing with their Chinese counterparts when it comes to border clearance.
Prior to the introduction of this new permit, the city’s 270,000 adult non-Chinese nationals had to apply for separate visas for each mainland visit, adding an extra layer of bureaucracy and planning to their travels. This new multi-entry permit eliminates this hurdle, allowing holders to bypass the visa process and enjoy a smoother journey using self-service channels after registering their biometric data.
The permit scheme permits travel for various purposes, including short-term investments, family visits, tourism, business activities, seminars, and cultural or educational exchanges.
Manning’s positive experience with the permit scheme underscores its potential to significantly enhance the ease of travel for foreign residents in Hong Kong. His call for the expansion of the scheme indicates that many others stand to benefit from this streamlined process, ultimately leading to greater convenience and efficiency for individuals and businesses alike.
