China News Service, Hong Kong, February 8 (Reporter Zeng Ping) The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (Immigration Department) held a 2023 work review press conference on the 8th and announced that the total number of entries and exits last year was approximately 212 million, an increase of 39 times compared with 2022. , has recovered to 70% of 2019.
Data released by the Immigration Department show that there will be approximately 34 million visitor arrivals in Hong Kong in 2023, an increase of 55 times compared with 2022. Among them, the number of arrivals by mainland visitors was approximately 26.76 million, a year-on-year increase of 70 times, and the number of arrivals of other visitors was approximately 7.24 million, a year-on-year increase of 31 times.
Data also shows that in 2023, the Immigration Department received more than 220,000 applications for various talent entry schemes, of which about 135,000 have been approved, of which about 90,000 talents with approved visas have arrived in Hong Kong.
Kwok Chun-feng, director of the Immigration Department of the SAR government, said that the above-mentioned figures far exceed the SAR government’s target of attracting at least 35,000 talents every year. Among them, the "High Talent Access" program has received an overwhelming response since its launch. Last year, there were more than 62,000 applications and nearly 50,000 were approved. In January this year, nearly 4,800 applications were received and more than 4,700 were approved. This shows that Hong Kong will still be full of opportunities in the new year and will be quite attractive to global talents.
In terms of safeguarding national security, Guo Junfeng said that the Immigration Department will fully implement its responsibilities in safeguarding national security. In addition to implementing effective immigration control at ports in accordance with the law, national security risk assessments are included in the processing of various visa applications. Each application is processed in strict compliance with relevant laws and policies, fully considering the actual situation of the case, and making legal and compliant decisions to prevent any Persons who are unwelcome or endanger national security enter Hong Kong.
Additional data from the Immigration Department showed that about 23,000 people were refused entry to Hong Kong last year, accounting for about 0.07% of the total number of inbound visitors, which was lower than 0.1% in 2019.
Kwok Jun-feng said that in 2023, the Immigration Department will, as always, stand with the Hong Kong citizens through thick and thin. Even in the face of various severe challenges, it will still display a professional spirit of being fearless and facing difficulties. He said that the Immigration Department will continue to go all out this year to stay at the forefront of Hong Kong and fully protect the city's prosperity and stability. (over)