Chinese officials announced new visa policies for foreign residents of Macao.

Key Points:

• Foreign residents of Macao are now eligible for extended multiple-entry visas for up to five years for permanent residents and two years for non-permanent residents.
• The revised regulations also allow foreign professional employees to apply for multiple-entry visas for up to one year, and foreign non-professional workers and domestic helpers for multiple-entry visas for up to six months.
• Authorities made the announcement as part of an effort to optimize the visa policy for eligible foreign nationals in Macao.

BAL Analysis: The new policy is intended to give eligible Macao foreign residents greater access to mainland visas for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes.