Technological Research and Development Personnel Can Now Cross Borders
As the pandemic continues to loom over most of the world, many economic sectors are at a standstill. Since the outbreak spreads through social contact, countries enforce social distancing. Hence, trade and services take the worst hit because even with technological advances, human contact continues to be essential to conduct businesses.
Hong Kong’s Economic Development
Although inbound workers in many sectors are still required to undergo mandatory quarantine when they enter Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Government is making an allowance for workers engaged in technological research and development activities in Mainland China, Macau or Taiwan for the interest of Hong Kong’s economic growth.
Mandatory Quarantine
Previously, Hong Kong imposes a mandatory 14-day quarantine for persons returning from other countries including Mainland China, Macau and Taiwan. Before the exemption, the 14-day compulsory quarantine has been a barrier for sectors who need to continue operations. Workers crossing borders are required to stay at allocated areas while they wait for Covid-19 test results and wait out the 14-day quarantine period. This arrangement undoubtedly hampers economic activities of Hong Kong. Under this new exemption policy, people who have to work across the borders of Mainland China, Macau or Taiwan can be exempted from the quarantine arrangement.
Exempting People and Sectors
Given Hong Kong’s economic development, the Innovation and Technology Commission has begun processing applications from people in the following fields:
- Applied Science
- Automotive Systems
- Textiles
- Logistics
- Nano Technology
- Cyberport
To date, Hong Kong has allowed two persons of each eligible enterprise or institution in technological research and development to travel to Mainland, Macau or Taiwan. The exempted persons must adhere to the rules and take precautionary measures during their stay in the area where the facilities are. Upon arriving the designated border checkpoints, the exempted persons may continue their journey to their workplaces.
