China’s Ministry of Public Security has introduced a new measure for some categories of mainland citizens to apply for exit-entry permits to visit Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
The new system allows some Chinese visitors to apply for a visa under the Individual Visit Scheme through the mainland China cities where they currently live instead of having to do so in their home town, as was previously required.
However, the ministry says that not all domestic migrants will take advantage of the IVS scheme as it will only be available in cities above county level that issue residence permits to domestic migrant workers.
Casino industry investors have been paying more attention to trends and developments in the IVS as the spending power of these visitors is likely to be higher than mainland tourists arriving on package tours. Such visitors are also apt to spend more at casino tables and slots.
