Hong Kong E-Channel Service for Frequent Visitors Simplified and Expanded Starting February 27.

Immigration Department relaxes eligibility criteria for enrolment of e-Channel service for frequent visitors and simplifies enrolment procedure

The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (February 26) that to further facilitate visitors and enhance clearance efficiency, with effect from tomorrow (February 27), the eligibility criteria for the self-service immigration clearance (e-Channel) service for frequent visitors will be relaxed, and the enrolment procedure for the e-Channel service will be simplified.

Under the new arrangement, frequent visitors, including those holding valid travel documents and multiple visit visas, who have visited Hong Kong via Hong Kong International Airport two or more times in the past 24 months and who meet the relevant criteria, may enrol for the e-Channel service free of charge. This enables them to perform self-service immigration clearance at all control pointsin Hong Kong using the e-Channel and enjoy a more convenient and efficient travel experience.

In addition, the enrolment procedure for the e-Channel services has been simplified. When registering at designated enrolment offices, eligible visitors holding valid electronic travel documents are only required to present their valid travel document used for entry, have their photo taken and sign a consent form. Fingerprint collection is no longer required. The enrolment procedure for visitors holding non-electronic travel documents remains unchanged.

To perform arrival clearance, a newly enrolled visitor should place their travel document on the document reader of the e-Channel. Upon entering the e-Channel, visitors using electronic travel documents should look at the camerafor facial recognition, while those using non-electronic travel documents should place their enrolled finger flat on the fingerprint scanner for fingerprint verification. Upon successful identity verification and completion of arrival clearance, a landing slipwill be issued. The procedure for departure clearance is similar, except that no landing slip will be issued.

For details on the locations and opening hours of the enrolment offices and the e-Channel service for visitors, please visit the ImmD website (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/echannel_visitors.html). For enquiries, please contact the ImmD by calling the enquiry hotline (2824 6111), by fax (2877 7711) or by email (enquiry@immd.gov.hk).

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 25) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of watch and jewellery items valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).