The Immigration Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced on Monday that with effect from December 11, nationals of the People's Republic of Bangladesh would require visas to enter Hong Kong for whatever purpose.

 

The Immigration Department said the new requirement would include those who are in transit and remain on the airport, but it did not give detailed reason for the new visa requirement.

 

At present, Bangladeshis may visit Hong Kong without a visa for up to 14 days.

 

Hong Kong adopts a liberal visa policy under which nationals of about 170 countries and regions may visit Hong Kong without a visa and stay for a duration of seven to 180 days.

 

"The Immigration Department will regularly review its visa policies and will take into account factors such as the social, economic and political situation of countries and territories concerned," an Immigration Department spokesman said.

 

"The objective of our visa policy is to accord due facilitation to genuine visitors while maintaining effective immigration control," he said.

 

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders currently do not require a visa to visit Bangladesh but the spokesman reminded passport holders to check with the local Consulate General of the People's Republic of Bangladesh on the visa requirement before visiting the country in case there are any changes.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2006)