***********************************************************
The Immigration Department announced today (December 30) that the Republic of Albania has confirmed it will grant visa-free access to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders visiting the country for a stay of up to 14 days.
The arrangement will come into effect on January 1, 2012. Likewise, from the same day, nationals of Albania holding biometric passports of the Republic of Albania may visit Hong Kong visa-free for a stay of up to 14 days.
Also effective from the same day, nationals of Albania may apply to enter the HKSAR for employment (under the General Employment Policy, the Supplementary Labour Scheme and as foreign domestic helpers), for training and for residence as dependants, and under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
The Government spokesman said, "The visa-free arrangement means greater travel convenience for HKSAR passport holders and helps promote trade, business and tourism links between Hong Kong and the Republic of Albania."
Including the Republic of Albania, 144 countries and territories have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders.
Ends/Friday, December 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:37
NNNN
