Prime Minister Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, who’s currently on a three-day visit to Hong Kong, is believed to be signing a contract regarding the authorisation of Hongkongers using Singapore Changi Airport’s automated immigration clearance systems.
According to South China Morning Post, Hong Kong citizens with a HKSAR electronic passport can apply for the automated immigration clearance service. It’ll be applicable until their passport expires.
Eligible holders of Singapore passports will be able to enrol for the e-Channel services in the Kong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) while eligible holders of the HKSAR passport will be able to enrol for the enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System services here.
This would mean that travellers from both countries can skip the queues to get their passports stamped and utilise the automated immigration lanes at airports from Sept. 22 onwards, an arrangement that would “enhance trade, business and tourism links between both Singapore and HKSAR”, ICA says in their press release.
Enrolment is free-of-charge and interested applicants only need to bring their relevant documents to enrolment centres located at Changi Airport, Woodlands Checkpoint, Tuas Checkpoint and the ICA building to apply for the service.
This isn’t the first country Singapore has cooperated with on the fast-track clearance system at the airport. Last year, a contract was signed with South Korea. A similar arrangement with Germany is expected to happen this month.
More information can be found on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website and the ICA online portal.
Photo: Singapore Changi Airport facebook
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