The Government today announced a mechanism for directors of listed companies or listing applicants to apply for an exemption from the compulsory quarantine arrangement.

Directors of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) or directors of companies applying for listing on the SEHK who are either on duty or returning from duty travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong and satisfy certain eligibility criteria may apply for the exemption.

In accordance with the amended Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation, the Chief Secretary may designate any person or category of people for exemption from quarantine if their travelling is necessary for purposes relating to business activities in the interest of Hong Kong’s economic development.

During any specified time period, each of the listed companies or listing applicants can only nominate a maximum of two directors for the exemption.  

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau will process applications with the administrative support of the SEHK.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the exemption will enable directors of Hong Kong-listed companies and listing applicants to perform essential business activities which are in the interest of the city's economic development.

They include those traveling to the Mainland or Hong Kong to attend shareholders' meetings or regulatory meetings to comply with the obligations under relevant ordinances or other regulatory instruments, such as the Listing Rules, Mr Hui added.

After returning to Hong Kong, the exempted person will be subject to medical surveillance arranged by the Department of Health for 14 days.

Currently, travellers to the Mainland would still be subject to the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement imposed by Mainland authorities.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is discussing with Mainland authorities the mutual recognition of COVID-19 testing results conducted by recognised medical laboratories, with a view to exempting the quarantine requirement for Hong Kong travellers to the Mainland.