Tuesday 9 January 2007

Smiles, sincerity instantly impress tourists

Senior Immigration Assistant Lau Chun-hung has been named the most courteous immigration officer. As the first civil servant tourists encounter on their arrival in Hong Kong, he tells news.gov.hk how to offer tourists a good impression instantly.

source: news.gov.hk


Actually now I come to think of it, my experience with HK border control has been quite good so far. Unlike many other countries where immigration staff looks uninterested, or is more engaged in talking to colleagues rather then assisting tourists.... HK staff seems quite friendly.

They look at the bigger picture as well. As HK resident I can now use the e-channels. My HK IDCARD has identity information, the way to identify yourself is by reading my thumbprint. The system checks it with the computer systems of the immigration department and either allows or denies you to go through the channel.

It is a very fast and convenient system and saves me valuable time when travelling\crossing the border.

THey even have won the 2006 ICT Awards.

Personally I am a big fan of systems like this. When still working and travelling in Europe, I used the PRIVIUM system, this system uses iris recognition.

Especially in summertime this could save me up to 30minutes easily.

Happy travelling!

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