Two Xiamen FTZ talents secure multiple-entry Hong Kong and Macao permits. [Photo/Exit-Entry Administration of Xiamen PSB]

The National Immigration Administration's talent permit policy for travel to Hong Kong and Macao was officially implemented in the Xiamen Free Trade Zone on Nov 5. The Exit-Entry Administration of Xiamen Public Security Bureau successfully issued the corresponding permits to two eligible talents within the zone.

The policy, previously piloted in Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, has been extended to cover all national pilot free trade zones across the country, including the Xiamen FTZ.

In the past, talented professionals in pilot free trade zones traveling to Hong Kong and Macao for activities like academic exchanges or business cooperation often had to apply for tourist or other categories of permits. These typically posed constraints, such as short validity, limited entries, and insufficient duration of stay, making them inadequate for the frequent and time-sensitive demands of research and business travel.

Under the new policy, six categories of eligible talents in the Xiamen FTZ — including high-level talents and specialists in research, culture, education, healthcare, and law — may apply for multiple-entry permits to Hong Kong and Macao with a validity period ranging from one to five years. 

These permits can be obtained by submitting the required certification materials issued by the competent talent authority or their employing unit, with each stay not exceeding 30 days.