17 December 2013
The Immigration Department announced today (December 17) that the non-stamping immigration clearance arrangement for Hong Kong non-permanent residents will be implemented on December 19.
Under the new arrangement, stamping of travel documents for non-permanent residents during arrival clearance will be replaced by the issuing of a landing slip which bears information including the holder's English name, travel document number, date of arrival and conditions and limit of stay.
In general, non-local students, foreign domestic helpers and imported workers admitted under the Supplementary Labour Scheme will be issued with a landing slip upon each arrival. For other non-permanent residents, a landing slip will be issued upon their first entry only. Upon subsequent arrival, no slip will be issued and no stamping will be made on their travel documents.
Upon departure, no slip will be issued for all non-permanent residents and no stamping will be made on their travel documents.
Non-permanent residents should keep the landing slip while remaining in Hong Kong. Under normal circumstances, loss of a landing slip will not affect the departure clearance formalities. Those who require a replacement of the landing slip may apply for free at the Extension Section (5/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong).
An Immigration Department spokesman said, "Non-stamping immigration clearance can provide more efficient services to non-permanent residents and simplify the immigration clearance procedure, thereby facilitating the smooth flow of passengers at immigration control points."
For more details on non-stamping immigration clearance for Hong Kong non-permanent residents, please visit the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk or refer to the related information leaflet.