Hong Kong now requires a visa from citizens of eSwatini, Taiwan's last African ally
Until now, citizens from the southern African kingdom could travel to Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days, like for many other countries. No official reason has been given, but the measure comes a few days after Nauru gave in to pressure from Beijing and dropped Taipei.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Hong Kong plans to scarp visa-free travel for eSwatini nationals, the Special Administrative Region’s Immigration Department (ID) announced.
Known as Swaziland until 2018, eSwatini is the only African country to have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Its citizens could visit Hong Kong without a visa for up to 90 days, like 170 other countries.
As of next Tuesday, citizens from the southern African kingdom who wish to transit through the airport of the former British colony will need a visa.
When asked to explain the move, an ID 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.”
The move against Eswatini comes days after another small country – Nauru in Oceania – cut ties with Taiwan and formally established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.
For its part, Taiwan is denying rumours that another small archipelago in the Pacific, Tuvalu, could soon follow suit.
Only 12 states fully recognise Taiwan, one of them being the Holy See, which established diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, Taiwan’s formal name, in 1942.
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11/05/2006
21/08/2018 09:27
