Hongkongers can use HKID or home return permit at Huanggang border

Hongkongers can present either their identity card or home return permit at the revamped Huanggang border checkpoint instead of both documents under the latest agreement with mainland Chinese authorities, the security minister has revealed.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung announced the measure after a drill at the crossing involving more than 20,000 civil servants on Saturday.

“Residents using e-channels to enter the mainland or return to Hong Kong can use the Hong Kong identity card or the home return permit, whichever they prefer,” Tang said.

Saturday’s drill was the largest so far, with more than 20,000 civil servants taking part to simulate peak stress on the building’s capacity.

Huanggang Port is expected to be able to handle 200,000 passenger trips per day and is the first checkpoint to use a “joint clearance” model.

Passengers only need to undergo departure and arrival clearance at a single checkpoint and present one travel document at either automatic or manual counters, instead of passing through separate counters.