Hong Kong Extends “Invited Persons” Immigration Facilitation Program to Central Asia and the Middle East
Updated: 5 hours ago
HONG KONG, October 4, 2026 — Hong Kong has significantly broadened its “Invited Persons” Immigration Facilitation Scheme, extending coverage beyond ASEAN member states to include countries across Central Asia and the Middle East. The expansion, effective October 1, 2026, marks a strategic push to strengthen economic and trade ties with emerging markets and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” between China and the world.
On September 24, 2026, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced that the scheme would be extended beyond its initial ASEAN-only coverage to also encompass Central Asian nations and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Under the expanded scheme, all government bureaux and departments can now issue invitations — up from just five previously — allowing more individuals from diverse sectors to visit Hong Kong for exchanges .
Newly Covered Regions and Countries
The scheme now encompasses three major regional blocs:
Region | Countries |
ASEAN | Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam |
Central Asia | Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan |
Middle East (GCC) | United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain |
This expansion adds 11 new countries to the original 11 ASEAN member states already covered .
What Eligible Invited Persons Receive
Invited individuals can benefit from a range of streamlined immigration arrangements designed to enhance clearance efficiency and convenience :
Self-service immigration clearance through e-Channels with relaxed enrolment criteria — invited persons only need a passport valid for at least 6 months
Simplified visa application procedures with reduced documentation requirements
Multiple-journey visit visa with an extended period of stay (2 months per visit) under relaxed application requirements
One-stop electronic platform processing for applications
“Invited Person Status” valid for 3 years, including an “e-Card” for courtesy channel access
Who Qualifies for an Invitation
Under the scheme, government bureaux and departments will actively invite individuals who can make significant contributions to Hong Kong’s economic development or who have been invited to participate in major events in the city.
The Immigration Department handles applications via a one-stop electronic platform, typically providing results within two weeks after receiving all necessary documents.
Strategic Significance
The expansion reflects Hong Kong’s broader strategy to diversify its economic partnerships beyond traditional markets. Since the scheme’s launch on March 18, 2025, it has effectively facilitated exchanges with ASEAN countries, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” .
The inclusion of Central Asian and Gulf Cooperation Council nations signals Hong Kong’s intent to tap into emerging economic corridors, particularly as Gulf states deepen their “Look East” policies and Central Asian nations seek new trade and investment partners.
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Effective Date | October 1, 2026 |
Expanded Coverage | ASEAN + Central Asia + Middle East (GCC) |
Inviting Authorities | All government bureaux and departments |
Key Benefits | Self-service clearance, simplified visas, 3-year status |
Visa Requirements | Still apply where required (8 countries need visas) |
Application Platform | One-stop electronic processing via ImmD |
Validity of Status | 3 years |
Read Also
Official Resources
For complete details on the expanded scheme, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s dedicated page at www.immd.gov.hk/eng/invitedpersons.html .
The official government announcement of the expansion is available at news.gov.hk .
For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/hong-kong
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