20 May 2014
The Deputy Director of Immigration, Mr Erick Tsang and the Head of Division B5 (ICT strategy of the Federal Police; modern border control management) of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior (the Ministry), Mr Andreas Reisen, today (May 20, Berlin time) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning the use of automated clearance service on a mutual basis, marking a new milestone in the co-operation between Hong Kong and Germany in immigration matters. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the State Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Emily Haber, witnessed the signing ceremony.
"Germany is the first European country that has signed a MOU on the use of automated clearance service on a mutual basis with Hong Kong. Germany is also Hong Kong's second co-operation partner on this aspect after the Republic of Korea. We believe that the implementation of mutual use of automated clearance service would allow for greater travel convenience for holders of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport and Germany passport, and would enhance trade, business and tourism links between Hong Kong and Germany. This arrangement will also facilitate holders of the HKSAR passport to visit countries of the Schengen area via Germany." an Immigration Department spokesman said.
The Immigration Department will discuss implementation details of the service with the Ministry, and will announce details in due course, the spokesman added.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam (left, back row), witnesses the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the use of automated clearance service on a mutual basis between Hong Kong and Germany by the Deputy Director of Immigration, Mr Erick Tsang (left, front row), and the Head of Division B5 of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, Mr Andreas Reisen (right, front row), at a signing ceremony in Berlin, Germany today (May 20, Berlin time). Standing next to Mrs Lam is the State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, Dr Emily Haber (right, back row).
Mr Tsang (second left) and Mr Andreas Reisen (second right) exchange the signed copies of the Memorandum of Understanding. Mrs Lam (first left), and Dr Emily Haber (first right), witness the signing.
