Hong Kong’s I&T development behind quicker immigration clearance at Shenzhen checkpoint, mainland Chinese official says
- Wang Gang, chief of the Shenzhen Exit and Entry Port Office, says housing immigration facilities under one roof at Huanggang will free up land for Hong Kong
- Travellers will only need to have their identity documents checked once under arrangements, which will begin when checkpoint reopens in 2026
Mainland China’s Huanggang checkpoint will speed up its processing of travellers with a dual aim of shortening the time spent in immigration and contributing to Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development, a top Shenzhen official has said.
Wang Gang, chief of the Shenzhen Exit and Entry Port Office, on Tuesday said visitors entering the mainland through the facility would only need to have their identity documents inspected once, instead of the double check carried out at most other crossings.
The changes will be achieved through a co-location arrangement, which combines immigration clearance for the mainland and Hong Kong under one roof. The facility is currently closed and expected to finish renovations in 2026.
Wang, speaking to mainland media, also pointed to the checkpoint’s importance within the Lok Ma Chau Loop, which will be home to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park.
“The core of the development of ‘one zone, two parks’ relies on the new Huanggang port,” said Wang, referring to the name used to describe the area that also includes the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone.
“The transformation of a port can free up more land and release more space, allowing for further expansion and growth in these technology innovation zones.”
Hong Kong will be able to close the Lok Ma Chau control point under the arrangements, freeing up more land to develop the San Tin Technopole – a proposed I&T cluster in the north of the city.