“Southbound” Exit Endorsement for Talents and Exit Endorsement for Business Visit
With effect from February 2023, the Mainland authorities have implemented, on a pilot basis, the exit endorsement for talents in the Mainland cities of the GBA travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, promoting and facilitating the travel of six categories of GBA Mainland talents (i.e. outstanding, scientific research, education, healthcare, legal and other talents) to Hong Kong for exchange visits. The initiative was expanded to cover eligible talents in Beijing and Shanghai with effect from May 2024, which further facilitates the gathering of talents for exchanges in Hong Kong. Six categories of talents fulfilling the eligibility criteria, as set by the Mainland authorities, may apply to the Mainland authorities for the exit endorsement for talents valid for five years, three years or one year to travel to and from Hong Kong for multiple times within the validity period of the exit endorsement. They can stay in Hong Kong for not exceeding 30 days during each visit. The Mainland authorities have also announced the doubling the duration of stay of exit endorsement for business visit from seven days to 14 days with effect from May 2024.
