For many non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents, the month of August unfolds with not just scorching heat, intermittent showers and forced stay indoors, but "fresh starts" of more flexible and leisurely journeys.
From now on, and for the next five years, they will be traveling at ease with their new travel permits, the first batch of which having been issued starting Wednesday.
Since July 10, eligible residents have been applying for these permits, which promote greater exchanges in business, tourism, education and cultural activities between the mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions.
The permits, designed as electronic card-type travel documents, eliminate the need for a visa for short-term visits.
