Follow Hong Kong Investment Immigration and Hong Kong News: According to a report by Hong Kong media quoting Chan Kwok-kee in a radio program, mainland residents will be able to use the specially designated "e-paths" for travelers at immigration. He expects that over the next three years, approximately 170 more "e-paths" will be added, while the "e-paths" used by Hong Kong residents will not decrease.
According to reports from the Hong Kong Economic Journal, since January of last year, eligible mainland travelers aged 18 and above can use the "e-paths" after successfully registering at designated registration offices at various control points. As of October this year, approximately 629,000 people have registered to use the "e-paths", with nearly 21 million crossings recorded, accounting for 20.5% of the total traffic of travelers holding permits at the Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Shenzhen Bay, China Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, Airport, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, and Man Kam To control points.
Chan Kwok-kee pointed out that due to technological advancements, self-service immigration will be an international trend. In addition to being safer, border personnel can focus more on suspicious travelers, and the Immigration Department will collaborate with more countries.
According to the latest immigration data disclosed by Chan Kwok-kee, over 44 million travelers visited Hong Kong in the first ten months of this year, an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year, with over 33 million being mainland travelers, also showing a 10% increase. He mentioned that there is a continuous need to reflect the demand for increased manpower to the government, having hired 400 people last year, including new positions, and over 200 people in the first ten months of this year. He will continue to communicate the manpower needs to the government next year.
