On March 20th, China’s central government introduced two new measures. Specifically, these measures target residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The goal is to make travel and residency on the mainland more convenient. The measures took effect right away.
Under the new policy, there’s an important provision. First, if residents lose, damage, or forget their travel permits, they can apply for a temporary electronic permit. Moreover, this permit has a validity period, valid for seven days. It enables them to board flights and trains within mainland cities. Additionally, the service for applying is provided by an organisation. China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) offers this service through the 12367 app. However, the temporary permit cannot be used to cross the mainland’s borders.
The NIA said in a statement that it will continue to take actions to improve these measures. In this way, it aims to provide accurate and convenient services for residents of Special Administrative Regions (SARs).
Kingsley Wong, a lawmaker from the Federation of Trade Unions, welcomed the NIA’s announcement. Nevertheless, he noted that the temporary permit is only valid for two modes of transport. He said, “I hope temporary electronic permits can be used for immigration in the future.” In addition, he suggested that Hong Kong residents who lose their permits on the mainland should have a solution. They should be able to apply for a temporary electronic permit to return to Hong Kong. Instead, they shouldn’t have to wait at border control points.
Starry Lee, Hong Kong’s delegate to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said that the new arrangement has an effect. It will ease travel between mainland cities. She hopes central authorities will eventually offer permanent electronic permits for Hong Kong residents. She explained, “This would make life more convenient for people with travel permits who live on the mainland. Since the numbers for mainland travel permits and identity cards are different, handling various situations can be inconvenient and time-consuming.”
Under the previous system, there were procedures. Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents who lost their mainland permits had a requirement. They had to visit public security authorities in person. Then, they had to act. They had to apply there.
Written by Yi Shen, additional reporting by China Daily, South China Morning Post and RTHK News.
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