Hong Kong axes visa-free travel for Eswatini nationals, affecting dozens of visitors from Taiwan’s sole African ally

Hong Kong is to axe visa-free travel for arrivals from Eswatini, Taiwan’s sole ally in Africa, from next week, the Immigration Department has announced.

Currently, nationals of the Kingdom of Eswatini may visit Hong Kong without a visa for up to 90 days but – from next Tuesday – a visa will be required. Visas will also be required for Eswatini nationals hoping to transit at Hong Kong’s airport.

“Hong Kong has all along adopted an open visa policy, under which nationals of about 170 countries and territories may visit Hong Kong visa-free for periods ranging from seven to 180 days,” an Immigration Department spokesman told HKFP on Tuesday.

It is unclear what prompted the move. When asked if it was related to Eswatini’s diplomatic links with Taipei, the spokesperson said: “The Immigration Department reviews its visa policy from time to time and makes adjustments as necessary to uphold immigration control while facilitating travel convenience for genuine visitors.”

Dozens of travellers are set to be inconvenienced, at a time when the city is seeking to reboot tourism amid a post-Covid economic slump. According to data obtained from the Immigration Department by HKFP on Wednesday, 97 Eswatini nationals visited the city between January and November last year. In 2021 and 2022, there were three arrivals, though Covid-19 travel restrictions were still in place.

Beijing’s communist government claims Taiwan is one of its provinces and has threatened to unify it by force if necessary, despite never ruling the island. It has been slowly picking off Taipei’s remaining allies.

China and Nauru formally re-established diplomatic relations on Wednesday, after the South Pacific nation cut ties with the self-ruled island. Taipei has sought to rebut speculation that Tuvalu may also switch allegiance.

Twelve remaining states, including the Holy See and Eswatini, fully recognise Taiwan.

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