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| Outstanding service: Chief Executive Donald Tsang attends a parade marking the Immigration Department's 45th anniversary. |
Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Immigration Department's services are closely linked with people's lives, adding that it has made great efforts to facilitate visitors, and promote business development and tourism.
Attending a parade to mark the department's 45th anniversary and the inauguration of the Immigration Service Institute of Training & Development in Tuen Mun today, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong is characterised by an immense volume of passenger and freight traffic.
"In the face of the sharp workload increases, the Immigration Department has made continuous efforts to enhance efficiency in service delivery at various control points, facilitating visitors and promoting business development as well as tourism. Its achievements are for everyone to see," he said.
"Since its establishment 45 years ago, services of the department have been extended from exercising immigration control in Hong Kong to issuing HKSAR passports, canvassing around the world for granting visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders and enforcing the provisions of the Basic Law on the right of abode. All these services are closely linked with people's lives."
Innovative initiatives
The department has also made innovative efforts in its services by assisting in launching new initiatives in response to the development of society, including the implementation of the Civil Celebrants of Marriages Scheme and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
The department's Smart Identity Card System and the Automated Clearance System implemented in recent years have won wide public acclaim. The Face Recognition System introduced last year has also achieved good results in intercepting people who attempt to gain entry into Hong Kong by using different identities.
"Early next year, the Immigration Department will take one big step forward by launching the biometric HKSAR passport, offering greater convenience to holders in travelling abroad," Mr Tsang said.
New training facility
The Immigration Service Institute of Training & Development inaugurated today is a 13-storey institute, floor area of 13,000 square metres and well-equipped with generic facilities.
It provides comprehensive training to service staff and will become a platform of exchange and training with Mainland and overseas immigration authorities with a view to broadening the staff's perspective.
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