Automated system meant to enhance trade & tourism links between Singapore & Hong Kong
Starting September 22, eligible Singapore passport holders will be able to clear immigration faster in Hong Kong – and vice versa.
Singaporeans aged 11 and above who have visited Hong Kong three times or more in the past year will be able to use Hong Kong’s automated clearance gates, or e-Channel.
Free enrolment for the service starts next Monday (Sep 22), and Singaporeans can bring their passports to do so at the Hong Kong International Airport or Macau Ferry Terminal, Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on Wednesday (Sep 17).
The move is a result of a mutual agreement between the authorities on both sides, so Hong Kong passport holders will be able to enjoy the same services in Singapore. The enrolment centres are located at Changi Airport, Woodlands Checkpoint, Tuas Checkpoint and the ICA Building.
“The implementation of mutual use of automated immigration clearance services will provide greater convenience for holders of the Singapore passport and HKSAR passport. It would also enhance trade, business and tourism links between both Singapore and HKSAR,” the ICA said
At present, eligible holders of Singapore and Malaysia passport already enjoy similar facilities in Malaysia and Singapore respectively.
Enrolment is on a voluntary basis and is free, the ICA said. Those aged 11 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and present documentary proof of relationship. For detailed information, interested Singapore Citizens and HKSAR residents can visit the websites of the Hong Kong Immigration Department at www.immd.gov.hk and ICA at www.ica.gov.sg, respectively.
Source: By Tan Qiuyi, Channel Newsasia
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