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The Immigration Department announced today (June 16) that confirmation had been received from the Bulgarian authorities that they had completed their internal procedures required for the entry into force of the Agreement on Abolition of Visa Requirements signed between the Government of the HKSAR and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria in April this year.

In accordance with its terms, the agreement will come into effect on July 14, 2005. The agreement provides visa-free access for a stay of up to 90 days to HKSAR passport holders visiting Bulgaria. Likewise, Bulgarian nationals will enjoy 90 days' visa-free access to Hong Kong.

Ends/Thursday, June 16, 2005

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