A big delegation was led by the Association Chairman, Mr. Wellington Koo, JP, to Beijing on 25-28th September to pay visits to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transport, the Hong Kong and Macau Office of the State Council, and the China MSA, among other stakeholders. Among the many issues discussed with the Ministries, we have raised the issues of consular protection for Hong Kong registered ships trading overseas, and the heavy penalty imposed on ships by the Brazilian government for Chinese seafarers not holding C185 SIDs and visa facilitation policies for overseas visitors. The ministries understand members’ difficulties and attach great importance to our concerns.

We were given the following advice:

– Consular protection for Hong Kong registered ships trading overseas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised that the Chinese government will provide consular protection for Hong Kong registered ships when they are trading overseas, irrespective of the nationalities of seafarers on board. If necessary, members may contact local embassies and consulates abroad for assistance via +86 10 12308 or worldwide hotline 12308 or +861065612308.

– C185 SID

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Transport are studying possible suggestions and will coordinate with the Brazilian government for solutions for Chinese seafarers onboard Hong Kong registered ships.

– Facilitation of overseas visitors to China

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also introduced various measures for facilitation of overseas visitors to China, including the special “green channels” in Chinese embassies and consulates abroad to facilitate Chinese entry visa applications and the tailor-made visa policies for overseas visitors to Canton Fair held in Guangzhou in October.

We will keep members posted about any new developments.