In view of the upcoming resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland in an orderly manner this Sunday (January 8), the Security Bureau (SB) led the disciplined services to conduct drills at Man Kam To Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line/Futian Control Point and Shenzhen Bay Control Point today (January 5) to ensure smooth operation of control points at the initial stage of the resumption of normal travel with the Mainland.

     Various departments and organisation, namely the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Department, the Transport Department and MTR Corporation Limited, participated in the drills. Over 600 staff members were enlisted to simulate scenarios of more than 300 travellers arriving at control points by cross-boundary coaches, cross-boundary private cars or railway to test the efficiency of various units in handling the travellers.

     To ensure faster and smoother clearance of travellers, the drills simulated the triage procedure for the northbound passengers, including requiring them to present the proof of negative nucleic acid test results within 48 hours of the trip, and also present the proof of successful reservation if they are travellers with reservation required. In addition, the drills also tested if the Hong Kong personnel and the mainland border counterparts can maintain prompt and close communication to launch co-ordination mechanism as necessary to tackle possible people and traffic congestions in the port areas.

     To better reflect the actual circumstances, the drills also simulated various scenarios including some departing travellers failing to present all necessary supporting documents, outbound travellers exporting prohibited articles without a licence, etc. The drills were conducted smoothly.

     The SB expects that it will take time for travellers to familiarise themselves with the arrangements at the initial stage of the resumption of normal travel with the Mainland in an orderly manner, including the presentation of required supporting documents, possible heavy people flows at control points. Travellers are advised to wait with patience and heed advice of the working staff. Travellers should make sure that they have brought all the required documents for inspection by staff at the control points.

     The disciplined services under the SB are well prepared and strive to operate the control points in a safe, orderly and smooth manner at the initial stage of the resumption of normal travel with the Mainland.

Ends/Thursday, January 5, 2023
Issued at HKT 23:58

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