A Hong Kong delegate to the nation's top advisory body, now meeting in Beijing, has proposed that all pan-democratic legislators be granted home return permits.
Actress Elizabeth Wang Ming-chun, a representative to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the suggestion during an open meeting of local delegates to discuss Premier Wen Jiabao's work report.
She said allowing pan-democrats to visit the mainland would enable them to observe the country's development in the Beijing Olympics year.
'It will be good if they have the opportunity to hold dialogue with state leaders,' Ms Wang said.
Eight of the 25 pan-democrat legislative councillors are barred from the mainland except for tours organised by the government.
No delegates responded to Ms Wang's suggestion at the meeting.