Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong has always been one of the most significant comprehensive partners of Vietnam. Vietnam has previously advocated for more lenient visa policies with various partners, including Hong Kong, aiming to enhance trade, travel, and interpersonal exchanges. These measures are anticipated to foster a more amicable relationship and cooperation between Vietnam and its partnering countries.

In response, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has announced that Vietnamese citizens will be granted Multiple entry visas valid for up to 2 years, with a duration of stay for 14 days each entry. This policy has changed drastically as Hong Kong only allowed Vietnamese to apply for a single entry visa previously.

To be eligible for the policy, Vietnamese visitors must meet one of the following criteria: having traveled internationally a minimum of three times; visiting at least two different countries within the last three years; or having engaged in employment or training in Hong Kong within the past two years.

Hong Kong is also initiating a comprehensive program to attract skilled immigrants, which includes opening opportunities for individuals from Vietnam, Laos, and Nepal to pursue education and employment at its eight public universities.

In March of this year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board declared its intention to distribute 80,000 round-trip air tickets to residents in Southeast Asian nations, with 8,800 tickets allocated for residents of Vietnam. This endeavor is a component of a sponsored campaign by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, aimed at welcoming global tourists back after a period of over three years of Covid-19 restrictions.