Chris Tang: Joint boundary control system at Sha Tau Kok Control Point expected to enhance efficiency of boundary crossing

Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security, continued to review the work of the Security Bureau today (July 9) on social media, highlighting the Bureau's efforts to facilitate cross-regional talent flow. This includes the movement of talent to and from the Mainland, and policies allowing foreign personnel to apply for a card-type Mainland Travel Permit.

Tang mentioned that as early as mid-2022, the Security Bureau had provided immigration convenience for visitors from specific sectors, allowing them to participate in short-term events and activities in Hong Kong without a work visa. The Bureau has also actively promoted the flow of talent between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

Since May of this year, the southbound exit endorsement for talents scope has been extended to mainland cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. Furthermore, following the policy allowing designated foreign personnel to apply for a multiple-entry visa to the Mainland for two years or more, non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents have been able to apply for a card-type Mainland Travel Permit for automated border crossings since last week, according to Tang.

The governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen have discussed implementing an immigration arrangement of a joint boundary control system (i.e. the "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" mode) at the new Huanggang and the rebuilt Sha Tau Kok Border Control Point, aiming to further enhance the efficiency of border crossings for travelers, said Tang.