The National Immigration Administration announced on Monday a package of ten innovative measures to support China’s further opening-up and high-quality development.

Several of these initiatives benefit Shenzhen, focusing on smart customs clearance, cross-border convenience in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, and expanded port functions. The measures are rolling out in phases starting Wednesday.

From Wednesday, Shenzhen expands its facial recognition smart clearance system beyond the existing Shenzhen Bay Port to five additional checkpoints — Huanggang, Luohu, Liantang, Futian, and Wenjindu.

Mainland residents aged 14 or above holding valid travel permits to and from Hong Kong and Macao with multiple-entry endorsements, Hong Kong and Macao residents with valid travel permits to the mainland (including non-Chinese citizens), and Taiwan residents with five-year valid mainland travel permits may use these smart channels after consenting to facial and fingerprint verification.

The new policies also introduce customized facilitation measures for the Shenzhen park of the Hetao Cooperation Zone, including multi-entry talent endorsements, streamlined procedures for start-ups and high-tech firms, and dedicated channels at Huanggang and Futian checkpoints.

In addition, from November 20, the Huanggang, Luohu, and Shekou ports will be authorized to issue single-entry permits for Taiwan residents arriving without valid travel documents. The West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link has also been added to China’s list of entry points for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.