Updated at 6.59pm: SAR passport holders will enjoy visa-free travel to the European Union beginning in the middle of next year, the Government said on Tuesday.
The move was welcomed by government officials including Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and Security chief Regina Ip.
''The visa-free grant marks a vote of confidence by EU Member States on the HKSAR's immigration control under the 'One Country, Two Systems' arrangement,'' Mr Tung said on Monday.
Mrs Ip echoed the sentiment, describing the decision as ''a major breakthrough in our efforts to promote travel convenience for HKSAR passport holders.'' The policy will enable HKSAR passport holders to visits 13 EU member states visa-free for up to three months.
The Council Regulation will have be submitted to the European Parliament for consultation before it is formally adopted, but Mrs Ip said that was just a formality.
''We do not expect any major complications for the remaining legal procedures as the European Parliament has already passed a resolution calling for the speedy adoption of the proposed Council Regulation for granting visa free access to Hong Kong,'' she said.
