TKO immigration tower can serve up to 6,500 daily

Ayra Wang

The new Immigration Headquarters officially opened yesterday in Tseung Kwan O, with the capacity to serve up to 6,500 people per day, said Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung.

Kwok reported that the opening day operation was generally smooth, with around 400 citizens visiting the new facility by 10am.

He expressed confidence that the public will quickly adapt to the new location and services, and that daily traffic will gradually increase to the same level as the previous headquarters in Wan Chai.

"Although the Wan Chai office may have been more convenient for some, I believe citizens will be willing to come to Tseung Kwan O to take advantage of our improved services," Kwok said.

The new headquarters features a more modern design compared to the old one, with a large glass exterior that provides better natural lighting.

Kwok also noted that the department encourages citizens to utilize online services such as birth registration and passport/visa applications.

The old Wan Chai headquarters will continue to offer identity card application services until 2026, as the department works to find a suitable relocation site.

Citizens who visited the new facility praised its ample interior space, comfortable environment, and faster service times compared to other immigration offices.

A local resident, Lau, said she was able to complete her newborn's registration procedures in just 10 minutes, a significant improvement from the hour-long wait times she experienced at the Tsim Sha Tsui offices previously.

"I was worried that there would be many people waiting in lines for services at first but it only took me about 10 minutes to finish all the procedures," Lau said.

Another citizen, Ng, said the new headquarters was spacious and bright.

"When I entered the new building, there were staff providing guidance and telling me which floor I should go to, which is good," she added.

A visitor from the Eastern District, Chow, noted the convenient transportation links and ease of asking staff for assistance.

In addition to the existing services, the new headquarters also features a 100-square-meter marriage hall, which will open on June 26.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com