Hong Kong Customs seizes live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs today (February 26) seized five live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $15,000.
Through risk assessment, Customs today intercepted an incoming lorry at the control point. After inspection, Customs officers found that the batch of live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species was concealed in high-heel boots and wrapped in cloth.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities 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).
Hong Kong Customs seizes live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
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).
