Central authorities have issued around 20,000 new multiple-entry travel permits to Hong Kong permanent residents with foreign passports heading to mainland China over the past three months, while around 33,000 applicants are still awaiting approval. ‘approval.

Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung cited figures from the country’s Entry and Exit Administration and also told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that new permit holders made 53,000 entries and exits from the mainland between July and mid-October.

In a written response to an inquiry by lawmakers, Tang said about 55,000 non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong had made appointments to apply for the new card-type permits in the three months since July 10, and approximately 20,000 new card-type documents. had been delivered.

The minister said early applicants had “greatly welcomed” the new measure, which significantly shortened border crossing times and addressed the need for permit holders to travel frequently to the continent for business, academic and cultural purposes.

“Some of them also said the measure gave them a stronger sense of identity and facilitated their greater participation in the development of the Greater Bay Area,” Tang said, referring to Beijing’s project. to integrate Hong Kong and Macao with nine mainland cities. an economic power.

The investigation was filed by lawmaker Kennedy Wong Ying-ho, who pointed out that new license holders were still unable to open bank accounts, apply for mobile SIM cards or purchase tickets train on the mainland – advantages available to Chinese citizens traveling. permit.