The Republic of Slovenia has agreed to grant visa-free access to passport holders of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for a visit to 90 days with effect from Saturday, a government spokesman announced.

"We warmly welcome the decision of the government of the Republic of Slovenia," the spokesman said. "It is a vote of their confidence in our effective immigration control under the one country, two systems arrangement," he added.

Slovenia is the 90th country granting visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.

As a parallel development, with effect from June 1, 2001, the Hong Kong government will extend the visa-free period to nationals of the Republic of Slovenia for a visit up to three months. At present, they may visit Hong Kong visa-free up to 14 days.

(People’s Daily 05/26/2001)