BEIJING, April 28 -- China will extend the expiration date of mainland travel permits for eligible Hong Kong and Macao residents starting May 8, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced Friday.

The validity of their mainland travel permits with an expiration date between Jan. 1, 2020 and Dec. 30, 2023 will be extended until Dec. 31, 2023. This extension will enable holders of such permits to travel to and from the mainland using normal entry and exit inspection procedures, the NIA said.

The measure aims to meet soaring travel demand among these residents after the Chinese mainland fully resumed normal travel with Hong Kong and Macao starting Feb. 6, according to the announcement.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents from the two special administrative regions have been unable to renew their permits in a timely manner.