Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday hinted there would soon be news on the administration's request for changes to visa arrangements for mainland residents visiting Hong Kong.

In his latest Policy Address, Lee said he had asked Beijing to bring back multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents and to expand the number of cities that grant visas for weekly visits to the SAR.

"I'm grateful that central government departments are studying the proposal to expedite the implementation. I believe there will be news soon," Lee said.

"All units of the SAR government will do their utmost to coordinate the implementation of such measures, promote people-to-people exchanges, and inject new momentum into the tourism, catering and retail industries."

Beginning in April 2009, Shenzhen residents were allowed to apply for Individual Visit Endorsements, with holders able to enter and exit the SAR freely within a one-year validity period.

But the scheme was replaced with a "one-trip-per-week" arrangement in 2015 following concerns over parallel trading and overcrowding.