Secretary for Security Mr Cheong Kuoc Va revealed today that the Government is considering appropriate measures to combat irregular "Transit Pass Purchase" cross-boundary activities as well as to shorten the length of stay of passholders.
Following his attendance at a public event, Mr Cheong was asked by a reporter on a recent Mainland TV news report about cross-border irregularities, including the purchase of Transit Passes near the Gongbei checkpoint. Mr Cheong said that the Government is highly concerned about the situation and is now liaising with the relevant Exit-Entry Administration under the Ministry of Public Security to jointly combat such behaviour, while internal countermeasures are also under consideration.
Cutting the length of stay of passholders is also being considered, he said. The permitted length of stay in Macao of Mainland passport holders on these passes was cut in 2006 from 14 days to seven days. The Immigration Department of the Public Security Police will soon develop measures to respond to this issue, he said.