New visa requirement for nationals of Republic of South Sudan
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     The Immigration Department announced today (July 27) that nationals of the Republic of South Sudan will require a visa to enter Hong Kong for whatever purpose (including those who remain on the airside in transit) from July 30.

     At present, nationals of the Republic of South Sudan are not required to secure a visa for remaining on the airside in transit.

     "Hong Kong has all along adopted an open visa policy, under which nationals of about 170 countries and territories may visit Hong Kong visa-free for periods ranging from seven to 180 days. With a view to ensuring a proper balance between facilitating the entry of genuine visitors and the need to safeguard the integrity of immigration control, the visa policy is subject to constant review and changes will be introduced if circumstances so warrant," an Immigration Department spokesman said.

     Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders currently require a visa to visit the Republic of South Sudan. The spokesman reminded HKSAR passport holders to check with the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Beijing the latest visa requirement before visiting the Republic of South Sudan.

Ends/Monday, July 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:19

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