Hong Kong will widen its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons on 1 October, allowing officials across all government bureaux to issue invitation letters to business and cultural visitors from Central Asia and the Middle East, in addition to existing ASEAN participants. The change means nationals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can obtain streamlined, visa-free entry when officially invited to Hong Kong events. Launched in March 2025, the programme originally let five economic bureaux fast-track high-profile guests from ASEAN. According to the Immigration Department, it has since facilitated thousands of short-notice trips for investors, researchers and speakers—helping Hong Kong brand itself as Asia’s “super-connector.” Officials say broadening the list of eligible countries reflects increasing trade with Belt-and-Road markets and demand from organisers of financial forums, mega events and cultural exchanges. Under the expanded rules, invited travellers receive one-stop electronic processing, relaxed document requirements and automatic access to self-service e-Channel gates. Visitors from eight of the newly covered economies—who normally need visas—will especially benefit, potentially cutting application lead-times from four weeks to less than five working days. Event planners can now court speakers from Riyadh to Tashkent without worrying about lengthy paperwork, while Hong Kong corporations gain a smoother path to flying in technical experts for short-term consultations. The move should also aid regional business development offices that rely on rapid inward missions when courting foreign direct investment. Companies are advised to update internal travel handbooks and coordinate early with the relevant bureau to secure invitation letters. Although visitors may stay only for the event period, repeated entries are allowed if fresh invitations are issued—offering a flexible alternative to employment visas for conference presenters, athletes and performing artists.
Source: HKSAR Government Press Release
