The Director of Immigration in Hong Kong, Benson Kwok, expressed confidence in the readiness of the city’s border checkpoints to accommodate the surge of tourists expected during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Despite the anticipated influx of visitors, Kwok assured the public that the border crossings will not extend their operating hours beyond the norm.
During a recent year-end press conference, Kwok disclosed that an estimated 7.3 million cross-boundary trips are projected over the eight-day holiday period. Emphasizing the capacity of the border checkpoints to manage the anticipated crowds, Kwok urged travelers to plan their arrivals and departures outside peak hours to minimize delays at the control points.
In a noteworthy revelation, Kwok revealed that there were 298 million inbound and outbound trips recorded last year, marking a significant 40 percent increase from 2023 and nearing pre-pandemic levels. Addressing a concerning matter regarding ten Hongkongers detained in Southeast Asia and coerced into participating in fraudulent activities, Kwok reaffirmed the Immigration Department’s commitment to collaborating with security authorities to secure their release.
Acknowledging the complexities of the situation, Kwok expressed optimism that the specialized team’s efforts would soon facilitate the return of the detainees to Hong Kong, ideally in time to reunite with their families for the approaching Chinese New Year festivities. Additionally, Kwok announced a forthcoming enhancement to border control procedures, allowing children aged seven and above with an SAR passport and permanent Hong Kong identity card to utilize e-channels at the checkpoints.
Anticipating approximately 200,000 children to benefit from this new initiative, Kwok’s proactive approach underscores the department’s commitment to streamlining border processes and enhancing the overall travel experience for residents and visitors alike. As the Lunar New Year approaches, Hong Kong’s preparedness to welcome tourists with efficiency and convenience sets a positive tone for the festive season ahead.
