China visa laws: Foreign permanent residents of Hong Kong, Macau offered 5-year visas

China has eased its visa rules for non-Chinese residents of Hong Kong and Macau, with the aim of integrating the semi-autonomous cities into its national development plans. Starting from Jul 10, long-term residents who are not Chinese nationals will be eligible for a five-year permit to enter the mainland. They can do so multiple times for up to 90 days per visit. It applies to permanent residents who have lived continuously in Hong Kong or Macau for at least seven years. Tan Yew Guan reports.