EDB arranges Home Return Permit facilitation service for students and teachers joining Mainland study tours of senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (February 21) announced that a one-off facilitation service will be arranged for students and teachers who will soon depart for Mainland study tours of the senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development (CS) to apply for the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Home Return Permit) if they have such a need.
 
     An EDB spokesman said, "Following the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the CS Mainland study tours will commence soon. Schools have responded positively to the arrangement with proactive preparation for the tours. However, certain schools have indicated that some students are unable to make an appointment in time to renew or apply for the Home Return Permit. In view of this, the EDB has co-ordinated with China Travel Service Entry Permit Service Hong Kong Limited (CTS) to arrange a facilitation service for the Permit application for students and teachers in need."
 
     The one-off special arrangement is applicable to Secondary 5 students and accompanying teachers who will depart for the CS Mainland study tours in April or May. Taking into account that most students require parents' company to apply for the Permit and the considerable advance preparation such as ticketing arrangements required for the Mainland study tours, CTS will open a designated centre from February 26 (Sunday) for four consecutive Sundays (i.e. February 26 and March 5, 12 and 19) to handle Permit renewals or applications from students and teachers who need such service.
 
     Students and teachers concerned are required to make an appointment via CTS's online system in advance and to submit their basic personal information and booking reference number to their school. Upon receipt of the related lists of students and teachers from schools, the EDB will arrange time slots for the Permit applications. It will send a letter to schools today to inform them of the details. 
 
     The EDB announced on February 9 the latest arrangements for the CS Mainland study tours for this school year for current Secondary 4 and Secondary 5 students' participation (with priority given to Secondary 5 students), including providing schools with 22 routes to the Guangdong Province from one day to three days starting from April.
 
     "The above facilitation service will help schools organise and lead students to take part in the Mainland study tours smoothly, enabling principals, teachers and students to gain first-hand experience of the situation of our country, and understand its latest development and achievements in various aspects," the spokesman said.