Two categories of travellers will no longer be required to complete and furnish an arrival or departure card for immigration examination at all control points from May 1.

The Immigration Department said the move will benefit the following categories of travellers:

* Hong Kong residents whose travel document bears an endorsement indicating they have permission to stay in Hong Kong for residence, employment or study; and,

* holders of an Exit/Entry Permit to Hong Kong and Macau or a Chinese Travel Permit issued by Mainland authorities, other than cross-boundary drivers.

The new arrangement will mean greater convenience for these travellers. It will not only save time for completing the card but will also speed up the immigration clearance process, which is particularly important during rush periods.

Since April 9, the requirement to furnish an arrival or departure card by Hong Kong residents holding a travel document issued by the department and BN(O) passport has already been waived.

However, other categories of travellers still need to complete and furnish an arrival or departure card.