Hong Kong to Revoke Visa-free Entry for PHL Officials, Diplomats

Starting February 5, Hong Kong government will cancel visa-free entry to the country for Philippine official and diplomatic passport holders, as announced by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying during a press conference on Wednesday.

The move is part of its sanctions against the Philippines in connection with the 2010 Manila hostage crisis.

Reports said the negotiations between the two countries broke down on Tuesday after the Philippine government failed to grant the request of the families for formal apology over the said hostage-taking.

At present, Filipino holders of official and diplomatic passports enjoy a 14-day visa free status when visiting Hong Kong.

Not Affected

Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said the sanction only covers those holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Consular officials also assured ordinary Filipino travelers that holders of “regular” green and maroon passports are not included by Hong Kong’s suspension of the 14-day visa-free entry. They added the suspension that takes effect Feb. 5 “will only be applicable to diplomatic (blue passport) or official (red passport) holders.”

Its facebook page said: “Regular passport holders (green and maroon) are not affected. Mga kababayan, HINDI po kayo apektado sa policy na ito kung ang passport ninyo ay green o maroon (You are not affected by the policy if your passport is green or maroon).”

Source: Gma News Online