On Wednesday's Backchat, we're talking about the new mainland travel permit which can be applied for from next week.

Non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau will no longer need visas to visit the mainland, as Beijing announced an expansion of its travel permit arrangements.


Valid for five years, the travel card will grant holders the right to stay in the mainland for up to 90 days and give access to automated immigration clearance gates. Those wishing to work or study will still need to seek approval.


The new arrangement was warmly welcomed by business chambers which have long called on authorities across the border to facilitate entry for Hong Kong-based foreign nationals.


After 9:45, we' talk about regulations over the owning of hedgehogs as pets, with one association announcing that they would stop offering adoption services.


9:05am-9:45am: Mainland travel permits for non-Chinese PRs

9:05am-9:30am: Prof Witman Hung, Director of the Greater Bay Research Center of the China Silk Road iValley Research Institute
9:05am-9:30am: Stephen Barnes, Co-founder of the Hong Kong Visa Centre and author of the Hong Kong Visa Handbook
9:30am-9:45am: Prof William Wong, Lawmaker


9:45am-10:00am: Regulations on owning hedgehogs as pets

9:45am-10:00am: Dr Fiona Woodhouse, Deputy Director (Welfare Services), SPCA