Privileged Visitor Scheme Expands to Central Asia and Middle East from October
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Security Bureau announced on September 24, 2026 that the Privileged Visitors Facilitation Scheme will be significantly expanded starting October 1, extending its reach from ASEAN member states to include Central Asian nations and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The expansion grants all government policy bureaus and departments the authority to issue invitations through the scheme, a notable change from the previous arrangement limited to five bureaus. The initiative aims to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" by facilitating business and cultural exchanges with a broader range of strategic regions.
Key Points
- The scheme launches on October 1, 2026, covering 11 ASEAN nations, 5 Central Asian countries, and 6 GCC states
- Invited regions include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan from Central Asia
- Middle East coverage encompasses Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE
- Currently, visitors from 8 ASEAN and Central Asian countries require visas to enter Hong Kong
- Five policy bureaus previously managed invitations: Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Innovation and Technology Bureau, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and the Department of Justice
Why It Matters
The scheme's expansion signals Hong Kong's deliberate push to diversify its international partnerships beyond traditional ASEAN ties, opening new channels for trade investment and cultural collaboration with energy-rich Middle Eastern economies and emerging Central Asian markets. Enhanced immigration facilitation for high-value visitors directly supports Hong Kong's economic recovery and reinforces its position as a gateway between mainland China and the global business community .
The scheme's expansion signals Hong Kong's deliberate push to diversify its international partnerships beyond traditional ASEAN ties, opening new channels for trade investment and cultural collaboration with energy-rich Middle Eastern economies and emerging Central Asian markets. Enhanced immigration facilitation for high-value visitors directly supports Hong Kong's economic recovery and reinforces its position as a gateway between mainland China and the global business community .