SCMP Reports on Hong Kong's Immigration Policies and Pandemic Recovery
Hong Kong's Immigration Policies in the Post-Pandemic Era
SCMP reports that Hong Kong's Immigration Department is evaluating the possibility of extending border checkpoint hours in response to rising overnight traffic patterns. Director of Immigration, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, noted that the city's border traffic has surged, nearing pre-Covid levels with 1.2 million trips recorded recently, surpassing previous records.
Challenges and Collaborations
Kwok mentioned that any extension of operational hours would involve collaboration with various government sectors and mainland Chinese authorities. “If we really extend operating times but traffic is very low, resources will have been wasted,” he stated, emphasizing a balanced approach to resource management.
Immigration Trends and Visa Denials
- Over 23,000 people were denied entry this year due to visa issues or suspicious intentions, highlighting ongoing immigration policy enforcement.
- Among those repatriated was Louise Delmotte, a photojournalist with the Associated Press, whose visa renewal was denied, reflecting strict immigration controls.
- City leader John Lee Ka-chiu reiterated that immigration considerations must align with existing laws and policies.
As Hong Kong navigates its recovery from the pandemic, the immigration department is poised to adapt policies to ensure efficient processing at border checkpoints.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.