The new Huanggang Port might allow cross-border travelers to complete clearance procedures by queuing and having their documents inspected just once to pass through the immigration facilities of both sides, according to Deputy Director of Immigration Tai Chi-yuen.
Speaking in an interview, Tai noted that automatic channels or counters for both outbound and inbound visitors could be set up side by side at the boundary inside a port to facilitate the respective immigration procedures.
He noted that the port could be the fastest border crossing point between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
He added that the government and Shenzhen authorities are progressing with specific entry and exit arrangements, aiming to complete the construction of the joint inspection building by the end of next year.
Meanwhile, Tai pointed out that the number of e-channels for clearance has increased to 756, with a total of 2.4 billion uses recorded. Around 5 million residents have registered for contactless e-channels with nearly 130 million uses.
To facilitate travelers driving to the mainland, Tai highlighted that the government is considering introducing facial recognition technology to let passengers complete the clearance procedures in the car.
