The mainland is set to issue one-off permits to allow Hong Kong newborns to travel there, according to DAB chairman Gary Chan.

Chan said on Wednesday that DAB lawmakers have received calls for help from parents saying they had hoped to travel across the border with their newborns, but applications for temporary mainland travel permits take at least five working days to process.

In a letter to Chan, national immigration officials said parents of Hong Kong-born babies "with urgent need to travel to the mainland" can get a one-off permit at Luohu, Huanggang, Shekou or Shenzhen airport.

Parents will be required to provide their newborn's identity document and birth certificate for the permit valid for one return trip between Hong Kong and the mainland within a three-month period.

"As long as the parents need a permit, they can bring the relevant documents to the four border crossings to apply for a document and collect it on the spot. It is more convenient and quicker than before, and can meet the needs of parents with newborns," Chan said, adding that he hoped the new arrangement could be extended to other border control points.