New 'Easy Boundary' Platform Simplifies Immigration Clearance for Hong Kong Travelers

SB launches one-stop information platform on immigration clearance "Easy Boundary"

The Security Bureau (SB) today (September 22) launched "Easy Boundary", a one-stop information platform on immigration clearance. The platform aims to help Hong Kong residents and visitors plan their cross-boundary trips by providing the latest information on various land boundary control points (BCPs).

"Easy Boundary" uses green, yellow and red lights to signify the situation of land BCPs in three levels: "Normal", "Busy" and "Very Busy", respectively, with rough estimates of the average waiting time. The relevant information will be updated every 15 minutes to keep passengers informed.

Previously, passengers had to obtain the information now available on "Easy Boundary" from different platforms, such as by checking the waiting time at the departure/arrival halls of BCPs and road traffic conditions respectively on the Immigration Department (ImmD) and Transport Department (TD) mobile applications. From now on, passengers can obtain useful information on "Easy Boundary" in one go, including the respective average waiting time for passengers and private cars at land BCPs, as well as for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) cross-boundary shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus).

"Easy Boundary" will also display real-time ad hoc situations at BCPs, including major traffic accidents nearby. If a "Very Busy" signal is displayed in respect of a particular control point or if an emergency occurs, passengers may consider using other ports or allowing sufficient time for immigration clearance.

Moreover, "Easy Boundary" is also integrated with links to obtain other real-time information, including real-time information on immigration clearance from "iPort", a WeChat mini programme of the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, and that of the HZMB Zhuhai Port, as well as Hong Kong's real-time traffic conditions, allowing passengers to browse conveniently and quickly.

Information on "Easy Boundary" is provided by the ImmD, the Hong Kong Police Force and the TD. In the next phase, the platform will introduce real-time images, and will utilise advanced technology (such as artificial intelligence) to assess the real-time situation of immigration clearance at land BCPs, with a view to providing passengers with a smarter, more accurate, and more convenient cross-boundary information platform.

Recently, the number of cross-boundary passenger trips between Hong Kong and Shenzhen has reached record highs repeatedly, which fully reflects the mutual engagement between the people of the two places. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been making advance preparations. Through flexible manpower deployment, all clearance counters and channels at busy BCPs are put into operation. Additional kiosks and channels will also be arranged if necessary to further ease passenger and vehicular flows. Despite confronting peak travel periods repeatedly, the overall immigration clearance remains smooth. The HKSAR Government will continue to implement multipronged measures, including the launch of "Easy Boundary", to provide a better boundary-crossing experience for both southbound and northbound travellers.

A link to "Easy Boundary" (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/bwt/status.html?type=outbound) has been uploaded onto the SB's website. A relevant instructional video for "Easy Boundary" has been uploaded to the SB's webpage and social media platforms.

Source: AI-found images

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images