The passenger clearance procedure in Macau for Hong Kong permanent residents will be simplified.

Immigration Department Deputy Director Chan Kwok-ki said on a radio talk show today Hong Kong permanent identity card holders over the age of 11 will be allowed to use the automatic passenger clearance system in Macau.

The new arrangement will be implemented by early next year. He said passengers will need to submit personal data and their fingerprints to Macau authorities to use the system.