Hong Kong's Director of Immigration, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, announced on November 2, 2024, that authorities are contemplating extending the hours of border checkpoints due to a significant increase in overnight traffic, which is approaching pre-COVID levels. On August 25, 2024, the city recorded 1.2 million trips, surpassing the previous record of 1.19 million set in 2017 [1ee5cf18]. This surge in travel reflects a broader recovery in the region as restrictions from the pandemic continue to ease.
Kwok highlighted that in the first nine months of 2024, approximately 23,000 individuals were refused entry at the border, with 85% of these cases categorized as having 'suspicious intentions' [1ee5cf18]. Among the notable incidents was the repatriation of photojournalist Louise Delmotte on September 14, 2024, due to visa complications [1ee5cf18].
For any changes to the operating hours to be implemented, collaboration with various departments and mainland China will be essential [1ee5cf18]. As Hong Kong navigates its post-pandemic recovery, the potential extension of border hours could facilitate increased travel and commerce, further bolstering the local economy. This consideration comes at a time when other regions, such as Erenhot in Inner Mongolia, are also expanding their border operations to enhance trade and tourism with neighboring countries, including Mongolia [b31e187b].
The developments in both Hong Kong and Erenhot signify a trend towards greater cross-border connectivity in the region, driven by rising demand for travel and trade as economies rebound from the impacts of COVID-19. As authorities in Hong Kong weigh their options, they aim to balance security concerns with the need to support economic growth and facilitate smoother travel for residents and visitors alike.