Immigration Department launches "Go Hong Kong" mobile application
The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (September 16) the launch of the "Go Hong Kong" mobile application, enabling eligible frequent visitors to Hong Kong to complete enrolment for the e-Channel service on their smartphones equipped with a camera, Near-Field Communication (i.e. NFC) functionality and internet connectivity prior to arrival in Hong Kong. Upon successful enrolment, visitors can use the e-Channel service upon arrival in Hong Kong.
Visitors meeting the following criteria may enroll for the e-Channel service via the "Go Hong Kong" mobile application:
- Hold a valid electronic travel document designated by the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and, where applicable, a multiple visit visa;
- Have no adverse record in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and
- Have visited Hong Kong viaHong Kong International Airporttwo times or more in the past 24 months at the time of enrolment.
Eligible visitors can complete the submission of enrolment for the e-Channel service by using the "Go Hong Kong" mobile application. This includes providing an expected date of arrival within the next three months and an email address, scanning the biodata page of the travel document, reading the chip data and undergoing facial recognition for identity verification. The ImmD will notify the eligible visitor of the outcome of their enrolment via the "Go Hong Kong" mobile application and by email.
Once the enrolment is approved, visitors only need to enter Hong Kong on or before the submitted expected date of arrival to activate the e-Channel service. If a visitor fails to enter Hong Kong on or before that date, the relevant enrolment record will automatically lapse.
For details on enrolment for the eChannel service, please visit the ImmD website (www.immd.gov.hk). For enquiries, please use the Online Enquiry Form (www.immd.gov.hk/enquiry) via the ImmD homepage or mobile application. Alternatively, you may call the enquiry hotline at 2824 6111 or email the department (enquiry@immd.gov.hk) or fax at 2877 7711.
The Immigration Department, Photo source: reference image
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drug cases at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 15) and today (September 16) detected two drug trafficking cases involving two incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 3.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 1kg of suspected cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $1.45 million.
In the first case, during customs clearance of a 61-year-old Mainland female passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $700,000 from her carry-on suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.
In the second case, a 29-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $750,000 in the shoes worn by him. He was subsequently arrested.
Investigation of the first case is ongoing. The arrested person in the second case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 17).
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 to 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.
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 yesterday (September 15) and today (September 16) detected two drug trafficking cases involving two incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 3.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 1kg of suspected cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $1.45 million. Photo shows the suspected cocaine seized in the second case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 15) and today (September 16) detected two drug trafficking cases involving two incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 3.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 1kg of suspected cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $1.45 million. Photo shows the suspected cocaine concealed inside the shoes in the second case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 15) and today (September 16) detected two drug trafficking cases involving two incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 3.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 1kg of suspected cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $1.45 million. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the first case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
