SCS visits Immigration Department

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Immigration Department (ImmD) today (October 29) and met with its management and staff of various grades to learn more about their work and matters of concern.

     Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, Mr Nip first met with the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang, and the directorate staff to get an update on the department's work in immigration control, visa policies, issuance of travel documents and law enforcement, as well as the challenges confronting them.  

     Mr Nip then proceeded to the Travel Document Personalisation Centre, where he was briefed on the production process for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports. He said he was pleased to learn that the ImmD launched the Next Generation Electronic Passport System in May last year, adopting the latest technology and advanced security features in the production of the new electronic HKSAR passport, thereby further strengthening its security. At present, 167 countries and territories have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders.

     Mr Nip also visited the Travel Documents and Nationality (Application) Section and the Travel Documents (Issue) Section, to learn about the ImmD's efforts to make use of enhanced technology to put in place various measures to further improve the application procedures of travel documents, including the Passport Collection Kiosk which will be put into service soon. The Passport Collection Kiosk initiative aims at offering greater convenience for members of the public and enhancing the work efficiency and service quality of the department, in addition to helping to maintain social distancing during the epidemic.
 
     Before concluding his visit, Mr Nip met with staff representatives of various grades to exchange views on matters that concerned them. He expressed appreciation for colleagues' devotion and commitment to cope with challenges during the epidemic, and encouraged them to continue to do their utmost to serve the public.