The governments of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions welcomed on Monday the Chinese mainland’s decision to allow their non-Chinese permanent residents to enter the mainland using a card type of document, making cross-boundary travel more convenient.

The document will enable non-Chinese permanent residents of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs to make multiple trips to and from the mainland during its five-year validity period, with each stay not exceeding 90 days. It will save them the need to apply for visas during the period.

The latest measure was announced by the nation’s Exit and Entry Administration on Monday to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the HKSAR’s establishment.

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The card will be issued from July 10.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu thanked the central government for its support for the SAR, saying travelers with the card will be able to enjoy self-service clearance at mainland control points, significantly enhancing immigration operations

After completing procedures such as fingerprint collection, the holders can enter through the express clearance channel, according to the National Immigration Administration. However, if non-Chinese holders intend to work, study, or engage in news reporting activities on the mainland, they should apply for visas or residence permits in accordance with the law.

The administration said that it will continue to improve immigration management services to support the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and promote the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the country's overall development.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu thanked the central government for its support for the SAR, saying travelers with the card will be able to enjoy self-service clearance at mainland control points, significantly enhancing immigration operations.

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He noted that many non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents have deep family roots in the SAR, and have been working hard, making notable contributions to the city’s development.

Foreign professionals working in Hong Kong are also keen to seize the historic opportunities arising from the nation’s rapid economic development and get more involved in making the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area a world-class bay area.

Lee said he believes foreign talent with Hong Kong companies will appreciate easier and faster immigration when traveling to the mainland with the new document.

The measure is not limited to any nationality or industry, fully reflecting Hong Kong’s unique status under “one country, two systems”. It will greatly help the city maintain its international character and diversity, providing a significant incentive for companies and professionals from around the world to settle in Hong Kong, Lee said.

The central government has introduced a series of measures since early last year to promote exchanges of talent between Hong Kong and the mainland.

Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng also expressed gratitude to the central government, for once again introducing measures to benefit Macao.

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Ho described this move as an important manifestation of the country's wider opening-up policy, which will help support the MSAR's acquisition of overseas talent, consolidate Macao's status as a world center of tourism and leisure, and create even more favorable conditions to promote Macao's appropriate economic diversification.

The MSAR government said in a statement that it will fully assist with the implementation of the policy, work closely with the immigration authorities on security, and coordinate with the Zhuhai customs and immigration departments on relevant matters.

With Xinhua inputs