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The Director of Immigration, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, on behalf of the Hong Kong Government, today (August 18) signed an Agreement on Abolition of Visa Requirements with the Consul-General of the United Mexican States, Mr Mario Leal.

The Agreement was signed in the presence of the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip and the Minister for Tourism of Mexico, Mr Rodolfo Elizondo.

A spokesman for the Department of Immigration said the agreement, which would come into force on September 18, provided visa-free access to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders visiting Mexico for up to 90 days. "Likewise, Mexican nationals will enjoy 90 days' visa-free access to Hong Kong," he said.

"We warmly welcome the signing of the agreement, which means greater convenience for Hong Kong travellers and helps promote trade, business and tourism links between Hong Kong and the United Mexican States," the spokesman added.

Mexico is the 132nd country to grant visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.

Ends/Wednesday, August 18, 2004

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