Hong Kong is set to reopen its borders with mainland China from Sunday as Beijing eases stringent Covid rules.
The Chinese government announced on Thursday that its border with the Hong Kong would reopen on January 8, the first time in three years.
As reopening the border approaches near about 50,000 people will be able to enter the mainland through three border control points from Sunday, Hong Kong Standard reported, citing sources.
It is understood that Futian Port, which connects to the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, will get a chunk of the quota at 35,000, while the Shenzhen Bay control point will have 10,000 and Man Kam To 5,000.
Until now, only the Shenzhen port, airport and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge were open from Hong Kong to enter mainland China.
Remaining 11 border points will still remain closed since beginning of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also, the high-speed rail service will not be resuming immediately, while Lo Wu port will remain closed due to construction work.
Some 300 immigration officers launched a trial run at the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line in preparation for the border reopening.
It included simulations of handling a large number of travelers and checking travel documents as well as the deportation process.
The border points between Hong Kong and mainland China remained closed for nearly three years due to the COVID-19 situation.
Earlier, the Hong Kong government had said that they were ready to tackle the coronavirus infections that would rise after the border is opened.
