Liberalised cross-border travel arrangements with mainland China scrapped nearly 10 years ago, owing to concerns on the Hong Kong side, have been restored. It says something about how much has changed when a different reaction is expected this time.
Mainland authorities say Shenzhen residents may apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong from December 1, allowing unlimited entry for a year with stays not longer than seven days each time.
The system replaces a “one-trip-per-week” arrangement, which Hong Kong now proposes should be extended to other mainland cities. The measures are aimed at increasing arrivals and reviving tourism to boost economic recovery.
It all adds up to a big move to redress, if not reverse, the greater…
