XN000022-1996-10-09 — Page 30

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Efficient immigration clearance service for travellers

Following is a question by the Hon Howard Young and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council of the measures it has taken to rationalise the passenger processing facilities at immigration counters at Kai Tak Airport and to ensure that such facilities at the new airport at Chek Lap Kok are adequate for coping with the anticipated increase in passenger flow?

Reply:

Mr President,

The Government is committed to providing an efficient immigration clearance service to facilitate travellers.

Measures introduced

To handle the fast growing passenger traffic, we have introduced a number of

measures:

(i)

(ii)

On the recommendation of the Airport Consultancy Study, the Immigration Department has critically reviewed the staffing requirements for the Airport Division. As a result of this, a total of 28 posts were redeployed to reinforce counter clearance through the restructuring of the Apron Control Unit and the scaling down of the overnight staffing level.

Secondly, the roster and meal breaks of counter staff have been adjusted to spread over a longer period to maximise the number of counters manned at any one time.

(iii) Thirdly, the Immigration Department have been revising the shift pattern and streamlining procedures for the purpose of maximising counter manning and enhancing productivity. Moreover, staff are required to work overtime whenever necessary.

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