060419en08005

	news.gov.hk
	From Hong Kong's Information Services Department

April 19, 2006

Immigration

Efficient immigration control essential: CE

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says efficient immigration control plays a significant role in Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness as a metropolitan city.

Mr Tsang today visited Lok Ma Chau control point to see how the Immigration Department uses advanced technology to cope with cross-boundary traffic.

He visited the Automatic Passenger Clearance annex and the Automatic Vehicle Clearance kiosks where he was briefed on self-service arrival and departure clearance through fingerprint recognition and smart-card technology.

Immigration check: Chief Executive Donald Tsang visits Lok Ma Chau control point to see how the Immigration Department uses advanced technology to cope with cross-boundary traffic and meets frontline staff.

Mr Tsang said given that Hong Kong is a strategic gateway to the Pan-Pearl River Delta region and the rapid socio-economic development in the region, the city's cross-boundary traffic will continue to grow.

"Our Immigration colleagues have to handle nearly 200 million travellers a year, so the department has worked hard to introduce state-of-the-art technology in enhancing service delivery at all fronts," he said.

"I am confident that our officers will continue to demonstrate their professionalism to help maintain the prosperity of Hong Kong and facilitate the cross-boundary movements of Hong Kong people."

Mr Tsang also met Immigration frontline staff working at boundary control points and representatives of staff unions and associations. He praised frontline staff for their dedication to maintaining a smooth flow of traffic, and their efforts in upholding security.