The Government today launched a pilot scheme to provide facilitation for eligible non-Hong Kong residents participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong on a short-term basis.

The scheme aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international centre for legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, and to be in line with the Belt & Road Initiative as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development.

Under the scheme, nationals of countries who may visit Hong Kong visa-free and possess a letter of proof are allowed to take part in arbitral proceedings in the city as visitors, and will not be required to obtain employment visas.

The duration that they may stay in Hong Kong for arbitral proceedings shall not exceed the current visa-free period for a visit.

The scheme covers four categories of visa-free nationals, namely arbitrators, expert and factual witnesses, arbitration counsel and parties to the arbitration.

People who wish to benefit from the scheme shall obtain a letter of proof that confirms they are eligible to participate in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong.

The pilot scheme will run on a trial basis for two years.