National Immigration Administration Unveils Ten Measures for Growth

In a significant move to foster economic growth and developmental opportunities, the National Immigration Administration has unveiled ten innovative measures aimed at enhancing open services and promoting high-quality development. Among the standout features is the provision for qualified talents in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen zone to apply for a three-year entry endorsement, a clear signal of the administration's commitment to bolster talent mobility.

Starting from November 5, 2025, six of these ten measures will come into effect. One major initiative is the expansion of the pilot implementation scope of the Hong Kong and Macau talent visa policy for exchanges. This will now encompass the entire Yangtze River Delta and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regions, as well as all national free trade pilot zones. Eligible applicants can benefit from multiple-entry talent visas valid for one to five years, facilitating stays of up to 30 days per entry in Hong Kong or Macau.

Additionally, mainland residents seeking to reunite with family in Taiwan will find the application process streamlined. They can now submit applications for family visit endorsements at any immigration management agency that operates at or above the county level nationwide, simplifying the process significantly.

To enhance the efficiency of cross-border travel, smart customs clearance systems will be promoted at select entry ports for travelers between mainland China and regions including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Notable locations such as Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Xiamen Gaoqi Airport will feature a 'facial recognition' customs clearance system, allowing eligible residents from these regions to utilize faster processing through this technology.

A crucial focus of these measures is the support of the He Tuh-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. Eligible mainland talent engaged in research and innovation can apply for a three-year multiple-entry talent visa for Hong Kong and Macau without the necessity for talent certifications. Furthermore, emerging and startup enterprises can benefit from a tax exemption for their first year when processing business records related to travel to these regions.

The reach of the 24-hour visa-free transit policy is also set to expand, with ten new international airports including Tianjin Binhai and Kunming Changshui added as eligible transit points. Travelers holding international connecting tickets can now transit directly to third countries or regions through these airports without undergoing entry and exit border inspections, provided they remain within the airport.

Moreover, Guangdong Province will see the addition of five more ports to the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, increasing eligible entry points from 60 to 65. Newly included ports include Guangzhou Pazhou Port and the West Kowloon Station, enhancing accessibility for travelers moving between the mainland and Hong Kong, Macau.

On November 20, 2025, four further measures will be implemented, including an expansion of the pilot cities eligible for the 'full online processing' of exit and entry documents. The initiative will add 30 more cities, raising total participation to 50, which aims to streamline the document issuance process.

Additionally, the administration will allow for an easier renewal process for mainland residents holding family visit endorsements when traveling to Hong Kong and Macau. If the allowed stay duration is insufficient, applications can be renewed at least seven working days before the expiration of the initial endorsement.

In a bid to increase efficiency, the number of entry and exit points for issuing one-time valid passes to Taiwan residents has been expanded to include 42 new border control agencies. Finally, the introduction of online reporting for foreign entry cards aims to facilitate smoother entry procedures for international travelers, making it easier to provide necessary entry information.

An official from the National Immigration Administration emphasized that these ten measures are designed to stimulate economic and social development while aligning with the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party. The administration is committed to deepening reforms in immigration management services to foster a new development pattern characterized by high-level openness and high-quality progress.