As Hong Kong approaches the July 1 holiday, the Immigration Department is anticipating a significant rise in border traffic. Director Benson Kwok has projected around 1.13 million passenger movements across all checkpoints, aligning with last week’s statistics. This surge is primarily due to the summer travel period, with more Hong Kong residents traveling abroad and a notable increase in tourists visiting for large-scale events. Moreover, the city is expecting a significant influx of mainland Chinese tourists, drawn by major concerts and cultural events happening during the holiday.

In addition to managing the local holiday rush, the Immigration Department is intensifying its efforts to assist Hong Kong citizens caught in global crises, particularly in conflict zones. Director Kwok highlighted that the department has been actively supporting Hong Kong nationals who were affected by ongoing unrest in the Middle East, including countries like Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, and Egypt.

Optimizing Border Operations to Handle the Summer Surge

The Immigration Department is preparing for a substantial increase in passenger movements at key border crossings and Hong Kong International Airport. Kwok expects outbound travel from Hong Kong to increase significantly, with residents taking advantage of the summer break to travel abroad. As a result, the department has put measures in place to ensure smooth operations during this busy period.

To mitigate potential delays, the department is deploying staff flexibly across various checkpoints and optimizing immigration channels to speed up processing times. Automated passport control systems and other advanced technologies will also be used to expedite the immigration process. However, travelers should be prepared for potential congestion and longer wait times during peak hours, especially at major immigration checkpoints.

Global Crisis Assistance: Supporting Hong Kong Citizens in Conflict Zones

While preparing for the expected surge in travel during the summer holiday, the Immigration Department has been actively involved in assisting Hong Kong residents stranded in global crises. The recent unrest in the Middle East, particularly in countries such as Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, and Egypt, has put many Hong Kong nationals at risk. The Immigration Department has been coordinating evacuation efforts and providing essential support to these citizens.

Countries Affected by Hong Kong Immigration Department’s Efforts:

• Iran: Hong Kong nationals in Iran have been affected by ongoing unrest. Five evacuees were transported to Azerbaijan, while one citizen remains in the conflict zone.
• Israel: Two Hong Kong residents were evacuated from Israel, traveling overland to Egypt to escape the dangers of the region.
• Azerbaijan: Hong Kong evacuees from Iran were safely transported to Azerbaijan with the help of vehicles arranged by the Chinese embassy.
• Egypt: Two Hong Kong citizens successfully traveled from Israel to Egypt overland, bypassing conflict areas.

Kwok revealed that the department has assisted 21 Hong Kong nationals affected by the Middle East unrest. Of those, 20 have been successfully relocated to safer areas. In particular, five evacuees were transported from Iran to Azerbaijan by vehicles arranged by the Chinese embassy, while two others traveled overland from Israel to Egypt to escape conflict zones. However, one Hong Kong national remains in Iran, awaiting further assistance.

1868 Hotline: 20 Years of Vital Support for Hong Kong Residents Abroad

In addition to its evacuation efforts, the Immigration Department continues to provide support to Hong Kong citizens in distress through its 1868 hotline, which has been in operation for 20 years. The hotline has been a critical lifeline for Hong Kong residents facing emergencies abroad, such as those in Middle Eastern conflict zones or those dealing with other personal crises while traveling.

In 2023, the 1868 hotline responded to more than 3,300 cases, ranging from medical emergencies to legal issues and evacuation requests. The hotline’s capabilities have been enhanced over the years, with recent upgrades including speech recognition technology and automatic transcription, which improve efficiency and service delivery. The department has made significant strides in increasing the hotline’s accessibility, ensuring that Hong Kong residents can receive timely and effective assistance in times of need.

Looking Ahead: Efficient Travel and Continued Support for Hong Kong Residents Worldwide

As the summer holiday period approaches, global travelers should be prepared for possible delays at Hong Kong’s immigration checkpoints, especially with the expected surge in passenger volumes. The Immigration Department’s focus will be on ensuring smooth operations at border crossings, while continuing to provide essential assistance to Hong Kong citizens abroad.

The department is also committed to expanding its global support services, particularly in regions affected by instability. Hong Kong residents who are abroad or traveling in conflict zones such as Iran, Israel, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and other Middle Eastern nations can rest assured that the Immigration Department will continue to coordinate with local embassies and international organizations to provide necessary assistance and evacuations.

Conclusion: Balancing Summer Travel with Global Humanitarian Support

The Hong Kong Immigration Department is working diligently to manage both the expected surge in summer travel and its ongoing efforts to assist citizens affected by global crises. The department’s enhanced operations, including flexible staffing and optimized immigration procedures, are designed to ensure that travelers experience minimal delays as they pass through the city’s borders.

At the same time, the department’s commitment to providing life-saving assistance to Hong Kong nationals stranded in conflict zones in countries like Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, and Egypt reflects its ongoing humanitarian efforts. The 1868 hotline remains a crucial resource for citizens in need, offering 24/7 support for emergencies abroad.

As Hong Kong navigates the challenges of the summer travel season, the Immigration Department’s focus on both operational efficiency and global humanitarian support demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of its residents, no matter where they are in the world.

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