Hong Kong should copy Macau method of quickly processing travellers to mainland China with single identity card check: pro-Beijing party DAB
- Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) makes call as authorities discuss checkpoint upgrades under Northern Metropolis scheme
- Legislators point to automated model which cuts out second identity card check regularly required at crossings with mainland
Hong Kong should copy Macau’s method of quickly processing travellers heading to mainland China by requiring they present their identity cards only once when crossing the border, a pro-Beijing party has said.
The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) made the call on Wednesday as authorities began discussing upgrades to seven checkpoints along the border with Shenzhen under the planned Northern Metropolis scheme.
“As the Northern Metropolis develops, border traffic between Hong Kong and the mainland will increase. Our border crossings must become more convenient and innovative,” said lawmaker Edward Lau Kwok-fan, who chairs the Legco subcommittee on the development of the scheme.
Originally proposed under Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s administration, the Northern Metropolis megaproject aims to to create an international innovation and technology hub, as well as housing for 2.5 million people, in the northern New Territories.
In a paper submitted to the legislature last week, the Security Bureau said it would use the automated model adopted by Macau in the rebuilt Huanggang port when it reopened in 2025, and was discussing with Shenzhen authorities on how the procedures could be used in the Sha Tau Kok control point after its reconstruction.
