Difference between HKSAR Re-entry Permit and Home Return Permit?

[canadienne]

I'm confused... what's the difference between the HKSAR Re-entry Permit and the Home Return Permit?

This website sets out info about the HKSAR Re-entry Permit which is for multiple entries within 5 years (also on Wikipedia here) while the Home Return Permit referred to on Wikipedia here seems to be valid for 10 years. How do I know which one I am qualified to apply for?

[Claire ex-ax]

It's one or the other. Not either or.

[canadienne]

What do you mean? What are the differences between the 2 types of permits?

[ycchai]

home return permit is for HK/Macau residents to go to China, to "return home", which also means you need to be chinese to get it

HKSAR Re-entry Permit is for
persons not of Chinese nationality who have been granted unconditional stay in Hong Kong but cannot obtain national passports or travel documents of any other countries or regions.

[canadienne]

But Chinese citizens who are HK permanent residents can apparently also apply for the HKSAR Re-entry Permit (GovHK: Frequently Asked Questions about HKSAR Re-entry Permit). It's not obvious which one a HK permanent resident who is a Chinese citizen should apply for.

What I'd like to know is what is the difference between those 2 types of permits?

I just want to know because I am currently applying for my HK permanent resident card (I'm an ethnic Chinese person born in Hong Kong to 2 ethnic Chinese parents who were also born in Hong Kong, although we obtained Canadian citizenship 20-something years ago).

[Claire ex-ax]

The HKSAR Re-entry Permit is for entry from the Mainland and the Macao Special Administrative Region.

From what I understand...

If you want the Home Visit Permit, you give up your Canadian citizenship, become a naturalised Chinese citizen, get an HKSAR passport and apply for the Permit.

If you want the HKSAR Re-Entry Permit, you become a Chinese citizen living on the Mainland.



Or are already you a Chinese citizen with an HKSAR passport?

[canadienne]

Why would I have to give up my Canadian citizenship? China already doesn't recognize my Canadian citizenship because I was born in HK and have not officially declared a change of nationality. From what I've read on these forums and on the official websites, I wouldn't have to give up my Canadian citizenship to get a HKSAR passport because China will not recognize my Canadian citizenship now anyways.

As for the HKSAR Re-entry Permit, GovHK: Eligibility for HKSAR Re-entry Permit states that it's for entry TO the Mainland and Macao, rather than FROM. It also doesn't say that it's for those who want to live on the Mainland, only travel to.

[Claire ex-ax]

I mis-typed. Here is cut-and-paste:

People Who Do Not Need an HKSAR Re-entry Permit
Under the Easy Travel Scheme, holders of Hong Kong identity cards bearing "***", "*" or "R" symbol or locally issued Hong Kong permanent identity cards, who are aged 11 or above, can travel from Hong Kong to the Mainland and Macao SAR and vice versa without producing an HKSAR Re-entry Permit or other travel documents at any Hong Kong immigration control point.

Is this clear enough required the Re-entry Permit?

[canadienne]

Thanks for the info. So once I get my HK PR card with *** (which shouldn't be a problem), I don't even need a home return permit? This seems strange because so many people I know, including relatives who were born and live in HK and have the HK PR card with *** still get home return permits.

[Claire ex-ax]

The Home Visit Permit is for entry into China.

The HKSAR Re-entry Permit is for entry into Hong Kong.

(The two places still have separately administrated immigration controls.)

If you have the ID with *** you don't need the HKSAR Re-entry Permit. If you have ID with *** you are eligble for the Home Visit Permit.