China to open Hong Kong’s border after three years

• China’s Hong Kong border will reopens on January 8.
• Up to 60,000 people of Hong Kong will be permitted to enter the mainland.
• China will eliminate Covid flight restrictions imposed at pandemic’s start.

China’s border with Hong Kong will reopen on January 8 after being mainly closed for nearly three years in a bid to stop the spread of Covid, the Chinese government announced on Thursday.

Following a notification from Beijing on Thursday, Hong Kong leader John Lee told the media that when a gradual reopening of border check stations begins, up to 60,000 people of Hong Kong will be permitted to enter the mainland.

The change will end the previously required quarantine for visitors from Hong Kong to the mainland. Passenger quotas are in effect for passage in both directions, and all passengers must pass a Covid PCR test within 48 hours of crossing.

The announced reopening occurs on the same day that China would abolish a number of Covid restrictions on flights that have been in place since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as quarantine procedures for international arrivals.

The adjustments occur as Beijing abruptly lifts its oppressive Covid regulations in response to widespread protests. After three years of self-imposed global isolation, during which efforts to reestablish regular transit with Hong Kong were repeatedly postponed, the mainland appears to be reopening.

Since early 2020, the majority of the once-bustling border crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China have been closed, putting a significant burden on the families and businesses with connections to both sides.

10,000 persons must go via the Hong Kong International Airport, two ferry piers, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, while 50,000 must pass through three land checkpoints.

Residents of Hong Kong who return to Hong Kong from the mainland or Chinese citizens who return to the mainland from Hong Kong are not subject to the cap, according to Lee.

In addition to testing, some travel will also need to be scheduled in advance.

Flights from Hong Kong and the nearby Macau to mainland China will restart, and passenger capacity restrictions will be abolished, according to a statement from China’s State Council.

The number of flights will also rise in a “phased and orderly” manner, the statement added.

In a “phased and methodical” way, land and sea border crossings between Macao and Hong Kong would also be reopened.

According to the announcement, China will also start providing tourist and business visas to citizens on the mainland who are visiting Hong Kong.

Also Read

Hong Kong’s China border to reopen as COVID surges

Hong Kong will try to reopen its borders with the mainland. This...