The immigration authority of Hong Kong announced Saturday to extend its e-channel service, a staff-free electronic self-service immigration clearance measures, to frequent visitors to the metropolis from May 19.

Visitors who have enrolled with the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government can perform self-service immigration clearance at Hong Kong International Airport, the department said in a press release.

The new scheme will enable them to enjoy more convenient and speedy immigration clearance, the department said.

The department will open six e-channels for arriving visitors and the service will be extended to departing visitors later this year.

The service is available to frequent visitors aged 18 or above who hold a HKSAR Travel Pass, APEC Business Travel Card with the economy code "HKG" printed on the reverse side or an International Airport Frequent Visitor Card, and who are traveling on a valid travel document and with a multiple visit visa.

They can enroll free of charge at the airport arrival hall.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2008)