Hong Kong, China, 22 Oct – From the second half of 2009 Hong Kong will allow Macau permanent residents to use e-channels at local control points and waive the need for those aged 16 or above to furnish arrival and departure declaration forms, Hong Kong Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said Tuesday.
Speaking on the initiatives for his bureau outlined in the 2008-09 Policy Agenda at the Legislative Council security panel special meeting, Ambrose Lee said it is necessary to enhance travel convenience for residents of the two places in the wake of the growing passenger flows in recent years.
“We understand these measures will be reciprocated by the Macau SAR Government.” “We envisage these measures will be implemented from the second half of 2009,” he said
Ambrose Lee also added that legislative amendments and a longer time for consideration may be needed to waive the declaration requirement for those below 16 years of age.
“To facilitate longer stays for Macau visitors in Hong Kong, the government plans to extend the limit for permanent residents from 14 days to 180 days, and from 14 days to 30 days for non-permanent residents,” he said.
Macau has a population of 530,000 people and Hong Kong has 7 million inhabitants.
(MacauNews)
