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The Immigration Department announced today (December 21) that all nationals of Liberia will require visas for Hong Kong for whatever purposes with effect from January 1, 2002.

"Under existing arrangements, nationals of Liberia may visit Hong Kong visa-free for a period of 14 days. As a result of the sanctions imposed on Liberia by the United Nations and to ensure that the sanctions are enforced effectively, we need to impose a visa regime on the entry of Liberian nationals. With effect from January 1, 2002, all Liberian nationals including holders of diplomatic/official/service passport, operating aircrew and ship's crew, will require a visa to visit or transit Hong Kong; even if they are in direct transit or remain on the airside. Other than those who have the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong, Liberian nationals who are temporary residents here also require re-entry visas to resume residence in Hong Kong after departure," an Immigration Department spokesperson said.

"Liberian nationals may apply for transit or visit visas to enter Hong Kong at overseas Chinese diplomatic and consular missions (CDCMs). CDCMs may issue single/double journey transit / visit visas good for a stay of not exceeding 14 days to Liberian nationals." she added.

End/Thursday, December 21, 2001

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