Hong Kong to Activate ‘Seamless e-Channel’ at HZMB on 25 June
‘No-stop’ e-Channel to debut at HK-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, cutting clearance time to 5 seconds
Talent-Visa Boom Spurs International-School Scramble in Hong Kong
Latest News
Cathay Pacific to Slash Fuel Surcharges from 1 July
Cathay Pacific announced on 23 June that it will cut its passenger fuel surcharge effective 1 July, lowering Hong Kong-origin fares by HK$80–220. The reduction should ease corporate travel budgets and boost demand during the summer peak, although fuel-price volatility remains a watch-item.
Lawyer warns of ‘self-employed talent-visa’ traps as Immigration tightens audits
Wen Wei Po reports that some consultants are encouraging Top Talent Pass holders to form paper companies and “hire themselves” to secure renewals. A barrister warns this could constitute fraud, with sentences of up to 14 years, and the Immigration Department says it is intensifying on-site audits. Legitimate employers are urged to keep solid evidence of real business activity.
Cathay Group Reports May Traffic Up 17 %, Edges Toward 2026 Capacity Target
Cathay Group’s 23 June traffic bulletin shows passenger numbers up 17 percent year-on-year in May and confirms it will hit a 10 percent capacity-growth target for 2026. The upbeat outlook signals better seat supply for Hong Kong-based corporates and underscores the city’s post-pandemic aviation rebound.
Air Hong Kong Adds A330 Freighter, Boosting Greater Bay Cargo Links
Air Hong Kong introduced an additional A330 converted freighter on 23 June, increasing overnight capacity from the SAR to key Asian cities and reinforcing Hong Kong’s top global cargo-hub ranking. The added lift will streamline supply chains for companies moving high-value goods through the Greater Bay Area.
30 arrested in Yau Tsim joint operation targeting illegal workers and vice rings
Police and Immigration officers arrested 30 people in Yau Ma Tei–Tsim Sha Tsui on 23 June for illegal employment and vice-related offences. The operation underscores Hong Kong’s strict liability on employers to check work rights, carrying penalties that could affect future talent-scheme approvals.
New Hong Kong–Macao Intermodal Codeshare Goes Live
Cathay Pacific’s new codeshare with Hong Kong-Macao International Transportation Services started 23 June, enabling through-ticketed bonded-bus journeys between HKIA and Macao HZMB Port. The seamless surface-air link cuts transit times and simplifies expense reporting for cross-border business travellers.
HKTB Launches ‘Summer Chill Hong Kong’ Visitor Rewards Worth HK$100 Million
Starting 23 June, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is handing out 500 000 ‘Summer Triple Rewards’ packs—transport, dining and attraction coupons worth HK$100 million—to overnight visitors. The promotion reduces travel costs for business and leisure guests and aims to spread tourist spending city-wide.
Dragon Boat holiday sees 18 % jump in Hong Kong-related cross-border trips, says NIA
NIA figures released on 23 June show cross-border travel during the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival jumped 12.9 % year-on-year, with Hong Kong-linked traffic up 18.4 %. The rebound signals resurgent regional mobility but also highlights pressure on land checkpoints during peak holidays.
CityU Expands STEM Internship Scheme; Non-Local Students with Visas Eligible
CityU’s 23 June update confirms that non-local students with visas and a No Objection Letter can join its STEM Internship Scheme without breaching work-hour limits. The move widens the tech talent pipeline for Hong Kong employers during the summer peak.
Korean Consulate to close on 1 July; applicants urged to file visas early
On 23 June the South Korean Consulate in Hong Kong announced it will close on 1 July for the SAR holiday. Travellers needing Korean visas should file by 26 June as late-June appointment slots are almost gone, or risk flight and meeting disruptions.
Wenzhou leverages Hong Kong International Travel Expo to woo inbound tourists
At Hong Kong’s International Travel Expo on 23 June, Wenzhou signed multiple agreements with Hong Kong and European agencies while promoting a new 144-hour visa-free transit policy. The deals create fresh incentive-travel and MICE possibilities for Hong Kong corporates at lower cost than Shanghai or Hangzhou.
Dragon Boat Festival sees 6.67 million cross-border journeys as Hong Kong checkpoints hit post-pandemic record
China’s National Immigration Administration said 6.67 million border crossings were recorded during the 8–10 June Dragon Boat Festival, up 12.9 percent on 2025. Almost 300,000 movements involved Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area residents, pushing several Hong Kong control points to post-pandemic highs. The smooth flow demonstrates the impact of new contactless clearance technology and signals a continued rebound in corporate shuttling between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Dragon Boat Festival surge: 666,700 daily border crossings recorded, Hong Kong entries up 18 %
China’s National Immigration Administration says 6.667 million border crossings were processed over the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival, with daily volumes up 12.9 % on 2025. Hong Kong/Macao residents recorded 2.969 million crossings—an 18.4 % spike—which temporarily pushed major checkpoints close to capacity. Business-travel planners should expect similar congestion during the July-August peak and build extra transit time into Greater Bay Area itineraries.
HKSTP uses Paris VivaTech 2026 to position Hong Kong as Asia–Europe launch-pad for tech talent
At VivaTech 2026, HKSTP signed multiple MoUs and generated HK $70 million in leads, positioning Hong Kong as the springboard for Asian tech firms into Europe and vice versa. The trip also showcased Hong Kong’s quick-fire TechTAS visa route, with European founders set to relocate and Bouygues Construction opening pilot sites to Hong Kong innovators—signalling a revival of outbound business travel and short-term assignments.