Hong Kong has secured relaxed visa arrangements for entry to some Gulf countries, with the city signing 59 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and agreements with Qatar and Kuwait during the chief executive’s four-day trip to promote bilateral trade amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
Leading a 50-strong delegation of business leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and mainland China, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday that the financial hub was also looking to sign a free-trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
He announced that Hong Kong passport holders would be able to benefit from visa-free entry to the United Arab Emirates from Thursday. The visa-free period for those entering Oman will be extended from 10 to 14 days, also starting from that date.
Lee said he was seeking visa-free arrangements and direct flights between Hong Kong and Kuwait. Hongkongers still need a visa to enter Kuwait.
Qatari authorities have scrapped on-arrival visa requirements for Hong Kong passport holders and offered visa-free entry for stays of 30 days or less, a decision that was also unveiled earlier in Lee’s visit.
“It is a fruitful trip,” Lee said on Wednesday, the last day of the tour. He also thanked the leaders of Qatar and Kuwait for their hospitality and friendship.
