TNAG-2336-FCO40-3400-Extradition-agreements-between-Hong-Kong-and-other-countries-1991 — Page 2

The number of Taiwanese visitors to Hong Kong has continued to grow.

In 1989, 1,044,353 applications were processed, up 15.8% when compared with 901,610 applications in 1988. The rate of increase would have been higher were it not for events in China. A 10% increase is forecast for 1990. A sample survey by the Immigration Department reveals that 86% of Taiwanese visitors make more than one visit to Hong Kong in a year.

6

Following a review, the Government has concluded that the existing visa policy for Taiwanese visitors should be relaxed in order to promote bilateral trade, attract Taiwanese investment and encourage tourism.

EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS

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At present, a resident of Taiwan can apply to visit Hong Kong in one of the following manners

(a)

a single or double journey visit permit for a stay of not more than seven days paying $115 and $230 respectively;

-

(b)

a single or double journey visit permit for a stay of not more than 14 days - paying $115 and $230 respectively;

single journey visit permit for a stay of up to three months paying $115; and

(c)

a

(d)

a

group journey visit.

For (a)

-

(c),

sponsors.

permit

-

visit and

paying $115 for a single $230 for a double journey

applicants are required to nominate local sponsorship is undertaken by authorized

For (d),

travel agents in Hong Kong.

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As there is no British diplomatic post in Taiwan, an applicant has to apply through an authorized airline in Taiwan which in turn forwards the application to the Immigration Department in Hong Kong. The entry permit, when approved, will be forwarded to the applicant through the airline. seven-day permit normally takes two weeks to issue, and other types of permits, including group permits, three weeks. visit permits are valid for three months.

All