The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the exit endorsement for talent travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau introduced by the Mainland authorities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's (GBA) Mainland cities.

The initiative will start on February 20 on a pilot basis to facilitate GBA Mainland talent to travel southbound to Hong Kong for exchanges and visits in scientific research, education, healthcare, law and business, etc.

Launching the exit endorsement for talent alongside the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland will help promote the interaction of talent within the GBA, creating stronger impetus for growth for Hong Kong and the entire GBA as well as achieving a win-win situation, the Hong Kong SAR Government said.

Six categories of talent who meet the eligibility criteria set by the Mainland authorities can apply for the exit endorsement with a validity period of five years, three years or one year, and they can travel to and from Hong Kong multiple times within the validity period. They can stay in Hong Kong for not more than 30 days during each visit.

Compared with the current seven-day period of stay for the exit endorsement for business visits, the new policy will greatly facilitate eligible high-end talent visiting Hong Kong.

If holders of the exit endorsement for talent also meet the Hong Kong SAR's criteria for the Pilot Scheme on Immigration Facilitation for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors, they may also come to the city to participate in designated short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment entry permits.

According to the prevailing arrangement, Mainland residents visiting Hong Kong must hold a valid Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to & from Hong Kong & Macau with the relevant exit endorsement for travelling to Hong Kong. The application, approval and issuance of the Two-way Permit and exit endorsement are within the remit of the Mainland authorities.

The six categories of talent who meet the eligibility criteria for the exit endorsement are: outstanding, scientific research, education, healthcare, legal and other talent.

The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that as a solid result of taking forward the GBA development, the new measure facilitates Hong Kong's further integration into the national development and brings together talent for exchanges in the city.

It added that close liaison will be maintained with the Mainland authorities to further enhance talent exchanges and interactions in the GBA on this good basis.