Immigration Department Holds Meeting of "1+2" Coordination Mechanism Among Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong and Macao Immigration Management Authorities for 2026

Immigration Department holds meeting of "1+2" co-ordination mechanism among Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong and Macao immigration management authorities for 2026

The Immigration Department (ImmD) held the meeting of "1+2" co-ordination mechanism among the Chinese Mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao immigration management authorities for 2026 at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O on August 27. The Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, led representatives of the department to exchange views with the Exit and Entry Administration of the People's Republic of China, the Macao Public Security Police Force, and the Macao Identification Services Bureau on various immigration matters.

At the meeting, the three authorities conducted a comprehensive review of the relevant works undertaken since the previous mechanism meeting held last year, and deliberated on collaborative measures in key areas such as ensuring immigration services for major events, supporting the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, strengthening immigration control and services, and enhancing clearance efficiency and the technological level of immigration inspection at control points, resulting in a series of practical outcomes.

Since its launch in 2019 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, the "1+2" co-ordination mechanism has served as a key platform for co-operation in immigration management between the Mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions. Established under the leadership of the Exit and Entry Administration of the People's Republic of China with the participation from the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Public Security Police Force and Identification Services Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the "1+2" co-ordination mechanism aims to enhance co-ordination and planning in immigration management across the three regions, facilitate smoother personnel exchanges, and better integrate Hong Kong and Macao into the national development strategy.

The Immigration Department (ImmD) held the meeting of "1+2" co-ordination mechanism among the Chinese Mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao immigration management authorities for 2026 at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O on August 27. Photo shows the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, speaking at the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Immigration Department (ImmD) held the meeting of "1+2" co-ordination mechanism among the Chinese Mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao immigration management authorities for 2026 at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O on August 27. Photo shows the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, speaking at the Opening Ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $7.5 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (August 28) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 32 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $7.5 million were seized.

A 42-year-old British male transit passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, and planned to take a flight to London, the United Kingdom, today. During Customs clearance, the suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 32kg in total, were found in 29 bags inside his two check-in suitcases. The male was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 29).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 today (August 28) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 32 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $7.5 million were seized. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases