Members of the public can now apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) through an online service launched today by the Transport Department. Users of “iAM Smart+” or eligible applicants holding a valid personal digital certificate may apply online via the GovHK website and receive their IDP by post, without the need to visit a licensing office in person. If the submitted documents and photograph are in order, the department will normally send successful applicants their IDP by registered post within 10 working days of the online application being made. The department reminded those who plan to drive outside of Hong Kong to allow sufficient time for the IDP applications to be processed. Citizens may continue to submit IDP applications by visiting licensing offices in person. Appointments can be booked online or by calling 3763 8080 to save queuing time. Drivers may also send in their IDP applications by post or via the drop-in boxes placed at licensi
The second meeting on the anti-epidemic work of the Mainland and Hong Kong was held in Shenzhen. Good progress was made in the meeting on exploring the resumption of quarantine-free travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong in a gradual and orderly manner.
The meeting was hosted by Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Deputy Director Huang Liuquan. Chief Secretary John Lee led Hong Kong Special Administrative Region representatives to attend the meeting.
Mr Huang said that, since the first meeting on the anti-epidemic work of the Mainland and Hong Kong on September 26, the Hong Kong SAR Government has actively maintained close communication and liaison with the central government's relevant authorities, and strengthened the epidemic prevention and control measures in Hong Kong with the dynamic zero infection goal and guarding against the importation of cases and the resurgence of local infection, in turn achieving consistency with the epidemic prevention and control strategy of the central authorities.
He affirmed the Hong Kong SAR Government's work in this regard.
The National Health Commission experts briefed the meeting on their comments and observations during their recent visit to Hong Kong. Both sides had a detailed and constructive discussion.
The Mainland experts affirmed that Hong Kong has strengthened a series of anti-epidemic measures and fostered a favourable environment for resumption of quarantine-free travel. They considered that Hong Kong has basically achieved the conditions of resumption of quarantine-free travel.
Both sides agreed to submit reports on the anti-epidemic measures and the implementation plan of resumption of quarantine-free travel. Further exchange of views would be conducted if needed.
Mr Lee thanked the central government at the meeting for its care and great importance attached to the aspiration of the public for the resumption of quarantine-free travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong, as well as the great importance attached to the request by the Chief Executive about resumption of travel.
He thanked Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council for immediately and positively pressing ahead with the resumption of travel, and thanked the National Health Commission for its active participation not only in providing useful comments but also in paying a four-day visit to Hong Kong to learn about the city's anti-epidemic measures.
He also thanked the Guangdong Provincial Government, the Shenzhen Municipal Government and Zhuhai Municipal Government for their support towards the resumption of travel.
Both sides agreed to set up task forces to study the interface, code conversion and operation issues of the health code systems of Hong Kong and the Mainland; and the management of and co-operation as well as joint prevention and control mechanism at boundary control points, ensuring a smooth and orderly operation with effective risk management.
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