Hong Kong's Huanggang Port targets October launch with joint immigration clearance

Authorities are targeting October 12 to begin operations at Hong Kong's redeveloped Huanggang Port, where cross-border travellers will complete Hong Kong and mainland Chinese immigration procedures in a single inspection under a new joint clearance system.

The South China Morning Post learned that authorities were working toward the launch date, though it would depend on the facility's operational readiness. The October 12 target would meet the government's goal of starting operations in the fourth quarter of this year.

New clearance model to streamline process

The facility will adopt a co-location arrangement and introduce a "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" model designed to improve the efficiency and experience of passenger clearance. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced the plans in his policy address this week.

The revamped port represents a shift from the traditional system where travellers clear immigration separately at each jurisdiction. Under the new arrangement, both Hong Kong and mainland authorities will process travellers in a unified procedure at the same location.

Source: South China Morning Post