18 September 2013
The Immigration Department announced today (September 18) that the first e-Channel equipped with voice navigation function will be operational at the Departure Hall of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point with effect from tomorrow (September 19). This e-Channel will enable visually impaired persons to perform self-service departure clearance.
A spokesperson for the Immigration Department said visually impaired persons will be able to go to the voice-navigated e-Channel installed at the Departure Hall of the control point by following the tactile guide path from either the MTR platform or the Public Transport Interchange. The operation of this e-Channel is similar to that of other e-Channels. The voice navigation function can be activated by pressing the activation button located above the identity card insertion slot. The system will then give corresponding voice instructions to guide the passenger through all the steps in the clearance process. After leaving the e-Channel, visually impaired persons will be able to go directly to the Mainland immigration counters by following the tactile guide path.
In addition to having the voice navigation function, the e-Channel is also equipped with Braille tags next to the activation button, the identity card insertion slot and the fingerprint scanner for use by visually impaired persons. For more information, please visit the homepage of the Immigration Department.
The spokesperson added that the provision of a voice-navigated e-Channel at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point is a pilot run. Depending on its effectiveness, the service may be extended to other immigration control points.