The Immigration Department stated that the "e-Channel" service has now expanded to 756 lanes, with a cumulative usage exceeding 2.4 billion people. The new Huanggang Port, expected to be completed by the end of next year, plans to adopt a "cooperative inspection, one-time clearance" model. Self-service channels and counters will be located at the boundary between the two ports, allowing travelers to complete immigration procedures for both places after only one queue, potentially becoming the fastest way for travelers crossing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
In an exclusive interview with the Oriental Daily, Tai Chi-yuen, Deputy Director of Immigration, noted that the "e-Channel" has been operating for 20 years, accumulating over 2.4 billion users since its launch. In 2021, the Department introduced the "Contactless e-Channel service", allowing Hong Kong residents to cross the boundary in just 7 seconds, which is 13% faster than the traditional "e-Channel". As of October this year, about 5 million people have registered for the "Contactless e-Channel", with cumulative usage nearing 130 million, accounting for over 70% of the total "e-Channel" usage.
Regarding the processing of cross-boundary vehicles, Tai indicated that the Immigration Department has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute. One collaborative project explores "innovative clearance models", actively introducing facial recognition technology to process private car passengers. Passengers can have their identities recognized through cameras while remaining in the vehicle, which can further enhance the experience for citizens.
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