Hong Kong to pilot facial recognition for faster border clearance at HZMB Port

A pilot scheme using facial recognition technology to expedite clearance for cross-border travellers will be introduced at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), according to Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung.

Speaking at a legislative meeting on Wednesday, Tang cited the successful implementation of the technology at the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint in Sha Tau Kok since last December and revealed plans to expand it to the HZMB border.

“We are currently working on system upgrades, base station designs, and conducting tests. We hope to roll out a pilot scheme in the near future,” he said.

Efforts to ease congestion with more e-Channels

Tang also noted that authorities are exploring the possibility of adding more e-Channels and traditional counters to ease congestion, as the Heung Yuen Wai Control Point has reached full capacity.

As of June this year, the checkpoint’s daily average cross-boundary passenger traffic was about 78,000 trips, with weekends and holidays seeing the daily average exceeding 91,000 trips — three times its designed flow.

Tang stated that the Immigration Department (ImmD) is upgrading its passenger departure hall, increasing the number of e-Channels from 14 to 18, with further expansions under consideration.

Extended clearance hours for major events under consideration

Meanwhile, lawmaker Dennis Lam Shun-chiu asked whether the government would consider extending immigration clearance hours on days with major concerts, given the surge in visitors crossing the border after such events.

In response, Tang said relevant departments would evaluate manpower and resource allocation to implement crowd control measures. For major concerts, advance arrangements — such as boosting ImmD services and coordinating with public transport operators — would be made.

However, he noted that extending clearance hours requires cross-border coordination and careful consideration, stating that the SAR government will closely monitor passenger demand and engage with mainland authorities as needed.

Current measures effectively manage post-event crowds: Tang

He added that at Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, most cross-border passengers arrive about 45 minutes post-concert, and the northbound flow usually clears within 1.5 hours, demonstrating that existing arrangements adequately handle passenger demand.

(Cheng Wong)